After weeks of speculation, global e-commerce giant Amazon on Tuesday launched the new Alexa-powered smarthome assistant, Echo Show.
The Amazon Echo Show features everything seen in the current Echo series. But the obvious difference is that the new device boasts a 7.0-inch display and 5MP camera, which will enable users to make video calls, not only with fellow Echo Show device owners, but also to smartphones and tablets (running Amazon Fire OS, Google Android or Apple iOS) via the Alexa app.
It houses eight microphones on top, with far-field beam-forming technology for voice recognition, and on the front, it features dual Dolby stereo speakers.
It is compatible with several well-established smart home appliance brands, which include Nest Thermstats, Ring, WeMo, Philips Hue bulbs, Samsung SmartThings, ecobee and Wink.
Users can also utilise Amazon Echo Show to hail Uber cab, stream CNN news flash video, ask movie showtimes, set sleep timer, ask for food recipes (from Allrecipes), request to read a book, play playlists (from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn), stream other popular music services like Apple Music from your phone or tablet and even track steps with Fitbit smartband. Amazon has promised that Echo Show will intuitive study owner behaviour and over time, it will improve its responses and offer more personal recommendations.
As of now, Amazon Echo Show is currently available for pre-order in the US for $229.99 (approx. €211/Rs. 14,877). It will be released on June 28. As a promotional offer, Amazon is giving $100 discount for consumers who plan to buy two or more Echo Show devices. They need to type in the promo code SHOW2PACK.
So far, there is no official word from Amazon on whether the Echo Show will be made available in other markets. But we believe it might get released in the UK sooner than later, as Amazon has launched the Echo series smartphone assistant there.
Watch this space for the latest news on Amazon Echo Show.
Key specifications of Amazon Echo Show:
| Model | Amazon Echo Show |
| Display | 7.0-inch screen |
| Alexa App compatibility | Amazon Fire OS, Google Android and Apple iOS |
| Smart home compatibility | Nest, Ring, WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, ecobee, Wink, and others. |
| Processor | Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor for advanced technology and processing capabilities |
| Camera | 5MP (front) |
| Audio | Dual 2-inch Dolby stereo speakers |
| Wi-Fi connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth connectivity | Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Show or from Echo Show to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. |
| Add-ons | Eight microphones with far-field beam-forming technology for voice recognition |
| Dimensions | 187.0 x 187.0 x 90.0mm |
| Weight | 1.18kg |
| Price | Rs. 229.99 (approx. €211/Rs. 14,877). |
| Package contents | Echo Show, power adapter/cable (6 ft.), Things to Try card, and quick start guide. |
