- Amazon launched a new Echo Show 8 with a camera that tracks your movements during video calls.
- There’s also an updated Echo Show 5 with an improved camera.
- The speakers will ship in June for $ 84.99 for Show 5 and $ 129.99 for Show 8.
You don’t have to buy the expensive Echo Show 10 from Amazon to get an Alexa smart display that handles video calls with grace. The internet retailer has introduced new versions of Echo Show 8 (see above) and Echo Show 5 (below) that promise important upgrades for your remote calls.
The updated $ 129.99 Echo Show 8 has a 13-megapixel camera that can pan and zoom to keep you framed, much like Facebook’s portal devices or the iPad Pro’s Center Stage feature. You and your family can walk across the room knowing you are still in the shot. Amazon also promises that you will “soon” get audiovisual reactions (like hearts or confetti) as well as augmented reality effects.
The new Echo Show 8 advertises the expected stereo speakers and an adaptive color HD display. The biggest changes outside of the camera can be done through software instead. The connected display now has a shared home screen and music suggestions based on what you are currently playing in Amazon Music or Spotify.
The redesigned $ 84.99 Echo Show 5 doesn’t have the automatic tracking camera of its larger 8-series counterpart. However, you will find an improved camera with double pixels, as well as a new color in Deep Sea Blue. When you pay $ 94.99 for the Echo Show 5 Kids, you get a colorful chameleon look, a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids Plus content, and a two-year accident warranty.
The Echo Show 8, Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 5 Kids are available for pre-order now with a release date in June.
Continue reading: The best smart displays
Whether or not you prefer the Echo Show 8 to a competing smart display like Google’s latest Nest Hub is a daunting task. Amazon’s device might be a better choice if you have regular video chats. However, the Nest Hub offers sleep tracking (albeit basic) and robust sound. As so often, it may depend on your choice of ecosystem. Alexa has the largest selection of third-party smart home devices. However, the Google Assistant might be better if you are heavily involved with Android and other Google platforms.