its selling price changes everything

A few months ago, Amazon launched its new models of smart speakers, some with screens and others simpler, like the 5th generation Amazon Echo Dot that we tested a few weeks ago. Among those with screen, the Amazon Echo Show 15 stood out, having recently arrived in Europe, but also the Amazon Echo Show 2, second generationthis is what we have been analyzing these days.

Although we were able to test this device a year ago, things have changed a lot. For starters, this device now supports the new Matter protocol, but more importantly, the the price of the Echo Show 8 has come down a lot.

• Buy Amazon Echo Show 8

Simple design, but large size

This speaker has a fairly conventional design, with a front featuring its 8-inch screen and white frame, at least in the device they lent us. In this one, the camera stands out in the upper right corner, which we can cover if we want.

At the top we have three buttons, one to increase the volume, another to lower it and another to mute the microphone. Added to this is the sliding button to hide the camera, if we are concerned about privacy at all times.

It’s quite a heavy device, but we don’t mind that because we don’t have to move it, obviously. This weight is explained by the speakers it incorporates.

The screen is big, but it could have more resolution

The screen of this model is 8 inches, more than enough to have it in the kitchen, in the office or in a bedroom. However, the HD+ resolution is a bit short when it comes to watching videos, although that’s not the main purpose of the device.

It’s striking that we have so many options for watching trailers (by asking Alexa), watching streaming apps like Netflix or Prime Video, or taking videos and photos.

The reason is surely not to increase the cost of production of a device that is not primarily intended for multimedia consumption.

It has color adjustment so as not to strain the eyes and to allow more natural viewing, depending on the lighting of the room in which it is located.

the functions

Like any Amazon Echo, this Show 8 allows you to make the best use of Alexa, being able to perform tasks available on any other device, use the shopping list, ask questions, use the whisper mode, play games, etc.

We can also ask it to broadcast the news, and if we choose a TV channel it will show us the latest news program available, something very interesting to leave in the background while we do something, like s it was a television, but without the advanced options of the Amazon Echo Show 15.

We can also control the security cameras that we have integrated with Alexa. Those of Ring and those of other brands allow us to see them in PIP mode, without occupying the entire screen.

A very advanced camera

But perhaps the most distinctive feature of this device is its 13-megapixel camera. It allows us to make video calls with other devices with Alexa, keeping us focused thanks to a facial recognition system.

It also works as a surveillance system through the Alexa app, although it would have been nice if it was integrated with the Ring app, a company that’s also owned by Amazon. Sure, it’s used to monitor the home, but we won’t get notices or motion notifications, so as a security camera it’s a bit short.

In addition, we can take selfies and videos with the camera, put filters or use features like the photo booth. Of course, to upload the photos, we will have to use the Amazon Photos account of our Amazon Prime profile.

Next level sound

Although the screen is the first thing that catches the eye of this device, it is the sound section that takes the cake.

Before, it was said that this device was quite heavy, and that this was due to its speakers. It has two 10W stereo speakers that have quality and power above expectation.

We put music on the desk table and the vibrations were notorious at high volume, although at no point did we hear any distortion. Failing to test the Amazon Echo Studio, it is the most powerful Amazon speaker with the best sound quality that we have analyzed.

The two 2″ (51mm) speakers They surpass those of the Amazon Echo Show 15, and come close to the 3 of the Amazon Echo Show 10.

price is the key

This device has a somewhat high price, around 129 dollars, as we told you in its first analysis, but now we wanted to try it again because we have it on sale for less than 75 dollars. In those moments, it becomes by far the best Amazon Echo you can buy in terms of value for money.

• Buy Amazon Echo Show 8

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