Amazon Echo Show 8 (newest model), With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa, Charcoal

I finally upgraded from my echo show 5! But hey my show 5 is 5 years old and going strong! But this echo show 8 where have you been? This is THE BEST! Not only the bigger picture, the sound is amazing! Seems like this one is a little more user friendly too! She's tough, quality outstanding! I am more than happy with my new Echo Show 8! Ready to try out the new Alexa AI too! But if your not sure you need this.....you do! Best purchase I've made! Set-up wasva breeze! Connected right to my wifi and from there she took over! Great alarm too! Love hearing the weather in the mornings! Style is great! Connects to everything perfectly! Functions better than my show 5, faster, more helpful if that makes sense? Love the camera cover too! Get this today! For you or a gift! I'm loving mine! Highly recommend!

This was so very to install and get running! It does ask a lot of questions on set-up to become more personalized however. The sound quality is great and I love that it shows the time and outside temperature to plan my days. I have two other Alexa devices in the home and they all coordinate notifications. I haven't been able to use this with my Blink doorbell yet (end-user set up issues I suppose hahaha) which would be great once I get that completed. You can ask any question, play music, watch news, order on Amazon and much more which is great when I'm in my office. Very happy with this purchase!

I’m really impressed with the latest Echo Show. This version is a noticeable upgrade from previous models, especially when it comes to sound quality. The audio is rich, full, and surprisingly powerful for a device of its size—perfect for playing music, podcasts, or even using as a speaker while watching videos or video calling.One of my favorite new features is the facial recognition. It adds a personalized touch that makes the device feel smarter and more responsive. It automatically adjusts to who’s using it, bringing up relevant info like calendars, reminders, and news, which is super convenient, especially in a busy household.The display is crisp and responsive, and Alexa continues to be a reliable and helpful assistant throughout the day. Whether it’s controlling smart home devices, checking the weather, or making video calls, the Echo Show handles it all smoothly.At this price point, it’s a fantastic value for everything it offers. Whether you’re upgrading from an older Echo or trying one for the first time, this is a solid buy. Highly recommend for anyone looking to add both functionality and style to their smart home setup!

I recently bought my Amazon Echo Show 8 and here are my thoughts in terms of its pros and cons:It is a versatile smart display that offers excellent balance between size, functionality, and price. With its 8-inch HD screen, decent audio quality, and Alexa capabilities, it makes an ideal choice for both entertainment and smart home control. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of the Echo Show 8, particularly focusing on its smart home integration features.### Pros1. **Crisp Display**: The 8-inch HD screen is a great size for viewing content, checking recipes, and video calling. The screen is clear and responsive, making it easy to navigate.2. **Decent Audio Quality**: It has better speakers than smaller Echo devices. Its sound quality is suitable for listening to music, podcasts, and watching videos with reasonable bass and clarity.3. **Alexa Capabilities**: With Alexa, the Echo Show 8 can manage reminders, answer questions, play music, and control smart home devices. Alexa responds quickly to voice commands and is always improving.4. **Smart Home Integration**: It integrates well with a wide range of smart home devices. It can control lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more. The screen makes it easy to view live feeds from compatible cameras, such as Ring doorbells, giving you real-time control over your home’s security.5. **Video Calling**: The 13 MP camera allows for clear video calling, with features such as auto-framing that keeps you centered in the shot as you move. It works with Alexa-to-Alexa calling and supports Skype and Zoom.6. **Privacy Controls**: Amazon includes privacy features, including a physical shutter to cover the camera and options to manage microphone and camera permissions, which is reassuring for privacy-conscious users.### Cons1. **Screen Resolution**: While the display is HD, it’s not as sharp as some high-end tablets or competing smart displays. Some users may find it adequate for the price, but others may wish for a higher resolution.2. **Limited App Compatibility**: The Echo Show 8 supports streaming from platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix, but it lacks native support for some other popular services, like Disney+.3. **Occasional Lag**: Some users have reported occasional lag with certain features or apps. While it performs well for most tasks, the Echo Show 8 can feel slightly sluggish with more intensive usage.4. **Heavy Amazon Ecosystem**: It is very much tied into the Amazon ecosystem, so users who aren’t invested in Alexa or Amazon services may find some limitations in their experience.### Smart Home IntegrationThe Echo Show 8 really shines when it comes to smart home integration. Through Alexa, the device can connect to a broad array of smart home gadgets, including lights, plugs, cameras, and locks from popular brands like Philips Hue, Ring, TP-Link, and more. The screen enables unique capabilities, such as monitoring video feeds or managing device groups (e.g., turning off all lights in one room with a single command). Additionally, Alexa routines allow you to automate complex tasks across multiple devices, making it easy to personalize your home automation.### VerdictThe Amazon Echo Show 8 is a strong choice for anyone looking to add a smart display to their home. It’s reasonably priced, offers solid performance, and integrates well with most smart home systems. While it’s not without its drawbacks, particularly regarding screen resolution and app limitations, the device remains a valuable addition to a connected home. Whether you’re new to smart displays or looking to upgrade, the Echo Show 8 offers a great balance of features and value.