The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 builds upon the strong foundation of the popular Alexa-powered speaker with a touchscreen.
The 13-megapixel camera is now centered on the screen, making video chatting even easier.
An edge-to-edge glass design makes the speaker look even better.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
The new Echo Show 8 looks a bit more refined than the second-generation model that arrived in 2021.
The 8-inch screen features a 1280 x 800 resolution.
Amazon also took care of one of my major issues with the second-generation modelthe camera lens placement.
The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 builds upon the strong foundation of the popular Alexa-powered speaker with a touchscreen. The 13-megapixel camera is now centered on the screen, making video chatting even easier. An edge-to-edge glass design makes the speaker look even better. Audio output is also much improved with spatial audio and room acoustic sensing will adjust the audio for the best possible sound. Add a faster chip for quicker Alexa responses and Thread support for smart home devices, and the Echo Show 8 is a top choice.
The previous model had the camera lens placed on the far right side above the screen.
The camera is in a more logical spot, directly in the center of the gear above the screen.
Its the same 13-megapixel model as the previous model, and it should provide sharp video to other callers.
The third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 builds upon the strong foundation of the popular Alexa-powered speaker with a touchscreen. The 13-megapixel camera is now centered on the screen, making video chatting even easier. An edge-to-edge glass design makes the speaker look even better. Audio output is also much improved with spatial audio and room acoustic sensing will adjust the audio for the best possible sound. Add a faster chip for quicker Alexa responses and Thread support for smart home devices, and the Echo Show 8 is a top choice.
If youve used a previous Echo Show, the top edge of controls should be familiar.
Above the camera lens is a physical shutter to block the camera for an additional layer of privacy.
There are also physical volume control buttons.
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The last button will disable both the camera and microphone.
The rear of the speaker has also shrunk.
In the second generation, the speaker was flush with the rear of the screen.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
But its now a bit smaller and rounder.
It still sports the same pair of two-inch neodymium stereo speakers and a passive bass radiator.
Everything is still covered by the same soft fabric.
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While it’s an added cost, consider purchasing Amazons Tilt Stand for the Echo Show 8.
That will help you create the perfect viewing angle for the Echo Show no matter where you place it.
Magnets in the stand and Echo Show come together for a strong hold.
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Many speakers provide the feature with extra hardware, like an upward-firing speaker.
But obviously, the Echo Show 8 doesnt have room for that.
So, the spatial audio work is all software-based.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
Its one step below actual Dolby Atmos sound, but its surprisingly rich and very convincing.
In around two weeks of testing, the audio is leaps and bounds above the second-generation Echo Show 8.
Even across to my master bedroom, the sound was crisp and clear.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
The only downside is that any audio had no discernible bass.
Another part of the great sound equation is room acoustic sensing.
Theres no need to run any test like Sonos Trueplay; everything is done automatically by the speaker.
Brent Dirks / MakeUseOf
But the improved audio in the Echo Show 8 is a welcome addition.
Adaptive Content Works Well
Another addition to the Echo Show 8 is Adaptive Content.
That feature will change what is shown on the screen depending on how close you are to the screen.
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The feature is especially useful if you place the speaker in a larger room like a kitchen.
Adaptive Content also works great with Visual ID for the Echo Show 8.
With Visual ID enabled, the speaker can recognize a specific person and provide custom content.
All of the facial recognition is done directly on the rig.
Conversing with Alexa is also much faster.
Amazon says responses are up to 40 percent faster with the speedier chip.
And in my use, that seems to be the case.
So its nice to see that interacting with the powerful voice assistant is even faster.
My largest issue with the Echo Show 8 still plagues all of the Echo Show lineupsometimes confusing software.
The Echo Show 8 has a row of four widgets on the top right part of the screen.
you’re free to also access a widget gallery icon from the home screen to add widgets.
But theres one slight problem.
Remove one, then try adding this again.
Good luck trying to figure out how to remove a widget.
Its low power and self-healing.
Vastly improved audio quality, revamped design, and adaptive content are all welcomed additions.
The only downside is a significant onethe price.
