Amazon introduced its latest Alexa-enabled smart device, the Echo Show, featuring familiar attributes like the Alexa assistant and its associated Skills, alongside a distinctive addition: a 7-inch touchscreen. The unveiling of this new device has stirred curiosity about its innovations. Thus, we’ve juxtaposed the Amazon Echo Show against the Amazon Echo to highlight all the novel features:
Touchscreen
The new Echo Show stands out with its 7-inch touchscreen. This feature enables various interactions, such as watching YouTube videos, viewing photos, and accessing song lyrics from Amazon Music. Additionally, users can use the screen to monitor supported WiFi-enabled security cameras and baby monitors.
The Echo Show supports calling, available for all Echo devices. However, video calls are exclusive to the Echo Show due to its integrated camera. Additionally, a new feature called “Drop In” functions similarly to a video call but allows direct access to the recipient’s camera feed without requiring a call. To prevent abuse, Amazon enables users to specify which devices can access “Drop In” on their Echo Show.
Camera
Regarding video calls and unexpected visits, the Echo Show includes a camera centrally positioned atop its 7-inch touchscreen display. In contrast, the Amazon Echo lacks a camera, functioning solely as a speaker renowned for its exceptional sound quality. The 5-megapixel camera integrated into the Echo Show facilitates video calls and features such as “Drop In.”
Audio: Speakers and Microphone Array
The Amazon Echo impressed both audiophiles and casual listeners with its exceptional sound quality, prompting expectations for comparable speakers in the Echo Show. However, while the Echo’s specifications are clear—2.5″ subwoofer and 2″ tweeter—the Echo Show’s specifications are less precise, described only as “2-inch stereo speakers.” The true sound quality of the Echo Show can only be assessed once it is released.
On the microphone side, the Amazon Echo boasts 7 far field microphones, which perform effectively in real-world scenarios. Conversely, the Amazon Echo Show features 8 far field microphones, potentially enhancing its audio recognition capability. Whether this additional microphone truly enhances the Echo Show’s real-world performance remains uncertain.
Price
While both the Amazon Echo and the Echo Show offer excellent functionality through Alexa and its expanding library of Skills, the Echo is priced at $179, compared to the Echo Show’s $229.99 price tag. Evidently, each device targets a distinct user scenario.
Decision Making
Though I haven’t tried the Amazon Echo Show, I have an idea of which Alexa device to choose. If you simply need a smart speaker for queries, notes, and smart home control, the Echo is better. However, if you desire video calling, Drop In, and touchscreen interaction, the Echo Show is the device for you.
Amazon Echo Show vs Amazon Echo: Contrasting Alexa Devices
The Amazon Echo and Echo Show are exceptional devices. They stream music, find recipes, control smart homes, and answer queries. The Echo boasts excellent speakers, perfect for parties. With the Echo Show, you can make standard and video calls over Wi-Fi, free of charge.
The Amazon Echo is currently available, priced at $179.99 ($149.99 on sale). Meanwhile, the Echo Show is in pre-order status and will initially be available only in the US. Priced at $229.99, it will commence shipping by June 28.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.