TLDR Review: Echo Show 8 (Newest Model)
Pros
- •The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) features a vibrant 8.7" HD display that provides sharp, bright, and immersive visuals, perfect for watching shows or following recipes.
- •Exceptional sound quality with spatial audio makes music, podcasts, and video calls sound clear and rich, boasting deeper bass and minimal distortion even at higher volumes compared to some other models.
- •Alexa’s voice recognition is highly accurate, improving smart home control and daily routines with responsive handree commands.
- •Setup is typically quick and seamless, especially with options to preload personal settings, and the device integrates smoothly with other smart home gadgets like lights, thermostats, and cameras.
- •The design feels premium with strong build quality, and the device serves effectively as a smart home hub, supporting timely weather forecasts and other helpful features.
- •Frequent software updates have enhanced stability, resolving earlier issues like freezing or unresponsiveness, resulting in improved overall satisfaction after updates.
Cons
- •The newest model removes the physical privacy shutter for the camera, which raises concerns about user privacy since you can no longer cover the camera physically.
- •Hardware buttons have been relocated and made less visible and accessible compared to previous generations, which can frustrate users accustomed to the old design.
- •The user interface remains largely unchanged and can be slow or laggy in response, making navigation annoying at times.
- •Accessories such as stands and plugs from the 3rd Gen model are incompatible with the newest version, seemingly forcing users to buy new accessories unnecessarily.
- •Persistent microphone issues reported on this and previous generations affect voice command functionality for some users.
- •Voice recognition might require some retraining as Alexa can misinterpret commands occasionally, leading to frustrating interactions.
- •Despite aesthetic and hardware tweaks, some users feel Amazon has not innovated significantly, resulting in a decline in meaningful feature improvements or user experience.
Bottom Line
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model) shines with its beautiful HD display, immersive sound, and solid Alexa integration, making it a fantastic hub for smart homes and entertainment alike. However, privacy-conscious buyers should beware of the missing physical camera shutter, and those relying on older accessories might find compatibility frustrating. If sleek audio quality and screen size are priorities but privacy or accessory compatibility is a concern, you might want to consider the previous 3rd Gen model or explore the Echo Show 11 for a larger screen and additional smart home features. Overall, this Echo Show 8 delivers solid value if you want an eye-catching display and great sound wrapped in a premium design.
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