The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 combines modern design with practical features for the connected home. With its superior sound quality and its 13 Mpx camera for video calls, it is positioned as a versatile device for everyday life. Let’s find out in our full test.
With its Echo range, Amazon has managed to obtain a place of choice in the field of connected speakers and screens. The American giant is constantly innovating, expanding its range and providing it with comprehensive features, unlike Google which has not renewed its range for several years. With the new third generation Echo Show 8, Amazon offers a new connected screen with quality sound, but also content now personalized for each user.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2023) Technical sheet
This test was carried out with an Amazon Echo Show 8 (2023) loaned by the brand.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2023) An imposing, but neat design and comprehensive functionality
The Echo Show 8 broadly follows the appearance of the previous generation, offering an 8-inch HD touchscreen with a definition of 1280 x 800 pixels. However, we notice notable developments, such as the placement of the camera in the center and a more imposing speaker at the back.
On the top, there are two volume control buttons, another to mute the microphone, as well as a sliding button to physically obstruct the camera lens with a cover. The rear part is quite refined, despite the remarkable presence of the speaker which makes the Echo Show 8 very deep.
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
Source: Hagop Kavafian for Frandroid
The speaker remains quite discreet, especially from the front, and will have no trouble integrating into your interior. The design is modern and the curves fluid, making it visually pleasing. Furthermore, the Echo Show 8 is available in black and white, making it easy to integrate into your interior.
In addition to being a speaker and a connected screen, the Echo Show 8 aims to be a real hub for the connected home. It supports the Zigbee, Thread and Matter protocols, and has a dual-band Wi-Fi connection. It also comes with a 13MP built-in camera for video calls, with auto-framing.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2023) A complete and multi-use offer
Good quality sound
Let’s start with the audio quality of the Echo Show 8. It is simply excellent, especially thanks to the two 2-inch neodymium speakers and the passive bass radiator.
Additionally, the screen is equipped with spatial audio and can automatically adjust its acoustics depending on the room. This feature uses the speaker’s microphones to listen to itself and automatically adjust audio settings for the best possible sound.
Overall, the speaker produces powerful bass and clear sound, while filling the room. This is therefore a good surprise for a connected screen, as these are known for their mediocre sound quality.
A responsive and intelligent screen
The Echo Show 8’s screen and onboard system are responsive and fast. The interface is simple to use, prioritizing easy access to notifications, music, smart home control and shopping on Amazon. It is also possible to choose widgets from the gallery and customize the display. These include, for example, weather, calendar, etc.
The Echo Show 8 also has a new adaptive feature. This adapts what is displayed on the screen based on your distance from the device and the user. If you are far away, the characters will be larger to display the time and weather, for example. Conversely, if you move closer to the screen, it will show less generic content, like music suggestions and recipe ideas.
Of course, the screen supports Amazon Prime Video, but also third-party services, like Netflix. However, it lacks native support for YouTube and Disney+, although it is possible to view these contents using the built-in Silk browser.
Finally, like other Echo devices, it is possible to control connected devices, whether by voice or on the screen. You can even create a widget with your favorite devices, making access even easier. You can also swipe down from the top of the screen to access the detailed menu. This allows you to find your groups, lights, sockets, cameras and thermostats.
Video calls
The Echo Show 8 is equipped with a 13 Mpx camera, allowing video calls to other Amazon devices, but also via Zoom and Skype. Camera placement has been changed from previous generations to make video calling and taking photos more natural. Now, with the camera centered in the middle of the device, you can look directly at the screen instead of slightly to the right like you had to do with the previous generation.
This has automatic framing technology that effectively keeps the subject in the frame. During our tests, the camera was able to zoom in to maintain the close-up aspect, even when moving further away. The zoom remains digital, which means that the image can be slightly degraded, without becoming bad. Furthermore, you really have to move several meters away from the camera so that it no longer detects the subject, which allows you to move around during video calls. The Echo Show 8’s image quality is also quite good. The faces are well lit and we can distinguish the details of each person.
Besides video calls, you can use the Echo Show 8’s camera to take selfies. In addition to snapshots, you can take a series of four photos like in a real photo booth. All photos are then automatically uploaded to Amazon Photos.
A notable aspect of the Echo Show 8 is its ability to function as a security camera. While it doesn’t offer advanced features like motion or object detection, it does allow viewing a live video feed through the Alexa app.
Price and availability
The third generation Echo Show 8 is available on Amazon for 170 euros, in white or black. The price may seem high, but the comprehensive features of the product justify this price. In addition, Amazon often offers discounts on its devices during promotional events such as Prime Days, allowing you to obtain the new Echo Show 8 for a more attractive price.
Where to buy
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