Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release)

Our Review

Price: $84.99

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) offers a wide range of features that make it an excellent choice for users looking to enhance their smart home experience. One of the standout features is its improved spatial audio, providing a more immersive listening experience that rivals other smart displays in its category. Whether you're using it to stream music, watch videos, or make video calls, the sound quality is a significant upgrade compared to previous versions.The 8-inch display strikes a nice balance between size and functionality. It's large enough for casual video watching, displaying photos, or making video calls, but it's still compact enough to fit on most nightstands or kitchen counters. This makes it a versatile device that can be used in different rooms around the house. However, for users who prefer watching full-length movies or streaming for long periods, the screen size might feel a bit limiting, especially when compared to larger Echo Show models.The inclusion of a built-in smart home hub is another major advantage, simplifying the process of connecting and controlling your smart devices. You no longer need an additional hub to manage things like smart lights, cameras, or thermostats. This makes it ideal for those who already have, or are planning to build, a smart home ecosystem.Alexa integration remains one of the strongest features of this device. With Alexa, you can ask questions, control smart home devices, set reminders, and even order items from Amazon, all through voice commands. The ability to customize the home screen also adds to the user experience, as you can easily access your most-used widgets like weather updates or a to-do list.The upgraded camera is a notable improvement for video calls, making it easier to stay connected with friends and family. Whether you're using it for casual chats or work-related calls, the improved clarity and sound make a noticeable difference. However, for users who prioritize privacy, Amazon has included both a physical shutter for the camera and a mic mute button, providing peace of mind when the device is not in use.While the Echo Show 8 offers plenty of advantages, it does come with a few downsides. For one, the price is a bit steep compared to the previous generation, which might make some potential buyers hesitant. Additionally, while the spatial audio is a significant improvement, it may not deliver the level of sound quality that larger speakers or other Echo models can provide, especially in larger spaces. Users might find the volume lacking in bigger living rooms or open-plan homes.Another area where the Echo Show 8 could improve is its app ecosystem. While it supports popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, it still falls short of offering the wide variety of applications you would find on a smartphone or tablet. Some users have also reported minor lagging when using more demanding tasks, like running video calls and controlling smart devices simultaneously.Overall, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) is an impressive upgrade that excels in sound quality, smart home integration, and video calling. It is especially suited for those who are invested in Amazon's smart home ecosystem, offering convenience and ease of use through Alexa. While there are some minor drawbacks, such as the price and occasional performance hiccups, the Echo Show 8 remains a solid option for users looking for a smart display that delivers both in terms of functionality and design.

Sound quality
9
Picture quality
9
App Integration
9
Design
10
Functionality
10
Build quality
9
Response time
9

Things We Like

Improved Spatial Audio: The 3rd Generation Amazon Echo Show 8 comes with enhanced spatial audio, providing a richer and more immersive sound experience compared to previous models.
Larger Screen: The 8-inch display offers a perfect balance between compactness and usability, ideal for watching videos, video calls, or controlling smart home devices.
Built-in Smart Home Hub: It features an integrated smart home hub, allowing you to control various connected devices like lights, cameras, and thermostats without needing an additional hub.
Alexa Integration: Alexa's capabilities make this device incredibly versatile, from setting reminders and controlling smart devices to answering questions and providing news updates.
Video Call Capabilities: Equipped with an upgraded camera for clearer video calls, making it great for staying in touch with friends and family.
Customizable Home Screen: You can personalize the home screen to show your preferred widgets like weather, calendar, and to-do lists.
Multi-Room Music Support: With multi-room audio, you can sync music across all your Echo devices in different rooms for a seamless experience.
Improved Design: The 2023 model has a sleek design with minimal bezels, offering a modern and stylish look that blends into any room.
Privacy Controls: It includes a physical camera shutter and a mic mute button for added privacy, allowing you to disable both when not in use.
Expanded Streaming Options: Supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu, providing great entertainment options.

Things We Don’t Like

Screen Size for Some Tasks: While the 8-inch display is versatile, it might feel too small for watching movies or lengthy content compared to larger Echo devices.
Price: It is priced higher than the 2nd Gen, making it less appealing for those who just need a basic smart display.
Sound in Larger Spaces: Despite the improved spatial audio, the speaker might not be powerful enough for larger living rooms or open spaces.
Limited App Integration: While it supports popular services, its app ecosystem is still somewhat limited compared to other smart devices like tablets or smartphones.
Occasional Lag: Some users have reported occasional lag when using multiple functions at once, especially when running heavier tasks like video calls or smart home control.

9.3

Overall Score

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