The Echo Show 8 is Amazon's third smart display (after the Show 10 and Show 15 ), and this latest version features a number of updates. This model offers improved response times, “adaptive content” and better sound with support for spatial audio. The Echo Show 8 is also the most annoying Amazon device we've used, with persistent pop-ups that didn't stop until we turned most off.
Unlike the Google Nest Hub which has a motion sensor, the Show 8 is equipped with a 13-megapixel camera. There's a slider at the top for a physical camera shutter, which also serves as a switch for its microphone. However, using it means giving up some of the screen's biggest features. The “Adaptive Content” feature reduces the intrusiveness of the Show 10's tracking camera by detecting your proximity and using it to display relevant content. If you stand far away, the screen displays a screensaver with the time. And if you get within a meter, it gives you the weather forecast for five days.
Besides the camera and voice activation, the screen is also designed to be controlled by touch. Interface-wise, the Show looks like a smartphone: swipe down to access the menu, swipe left to access the latest “Alexa Skill,” and swipe right to access news and more contents. The top part of the screen has several shortcuts, including for music, calendar, devices, purchases (of course), and widgets. As you explore the interface further, you can access other features like viewing Ring cameras (if you have them), checking all your smart devices at once, or initiating a video call.
You can use your fingers to navigate, but it's the device's voice control capabilities that have made it famous. Alexa was as responsive as one would expect, even reacting quickly when playing music.
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Although shopping events like Black Friday come up regularly, we don't necessarily spend all our time wondering what we should buy. Usually, we use products like Amazon's smart assistant to help us in our daily lives, for example to ask the weather, search for recipes or turn on the light. It's natural that Amazon would seek to balance this need by trying to sell us products, but this doesn't always result in the best experience for the user.
We encountered this phenomenon several times during our testing with the Show 8. And the first time was five minutes after installing it. We were like, “What are we going to watch on this device?” » Then we chose “ Rings of Power ” ! As young Galadriel skipped along a stream, a pop-up message appeared, asking if we had read an author's latest mystery novel. (We're already watching Amazon content, Alexa, pick your battle!) Aside from that unwanted interruption, we found the screen perfect for watching videos. It should be noted, however, that it is still not possible to request individual videos from YouTube. For example, a query for “FailArmy” brought up the FreeVee channel live on the screen.
While the video quality was what we expected from a screen of this size (ok but nothing exceptional), we were a little disappointed with the speaker. We compared it to the Nest Hub and found Google's model to be clearer overall. Amazon's speaker had plenty of bass, especially with rock and dance music, but the sound seemed very veiled. This is literally because the speaker is hidden by the screen and faces upwards, unlike the Hub's speaker which faces forwards. In comparison, the Nest Hub sounded present and better with vocals, although the downside is that it doesn't have much bass.
Should you buy it?
If you're wondering if you need a smart display, you probably don't, especially if you don't have Ring cameras or the desire to watch a show on an 8-inch screen. inches at the other end of your kitchen counter. A phone is just as effective and probably more convenient, since it's usually within reach. However, as a connected home companion, the Show 8 is a bit easier to use than the Nest Hub, especially when it comes to using the touchscreen. Once we eliminated all the annoying distractions, we enjoyed using the Show 8, and we would recommend it to anyone who wants a control center for their Alexa-based smart home.
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