Amazon update Echo Show 5 and 8, plus a new Echo Show 5 Kids edition
Image Credit: Amazon
Amazon update their smaller range of Echo Show devices with new cameras and software tricks, plus introduce a new Kids model.
Amazon introduce the second generation to their Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. Echo Show are 5-inch and 8-inch touchscreen smart displays with a heavy emphasis on Alexa voice control, great for making video calls, streaming videos, controlling smart home devices, playing music or the news, and showing a clock face or photos while idle.
The 2021 Echo Shows bump the old 1MP cameras to 2MP on the Echo Show 5 and the same 13MP sensor found on the Echo Show 10 for the Echo Show 8. Both cameras can now sense when someone enters the room and trigger routines such as turning on lights. As this feature requires the cameras to always be on, Amazon have made this an opt-in only feature. Amazon says the human shape detection is managed locally.
With a new octa-core processor, the Echo Show 8’s new camera also features auto-framing. Rather than spinning the entire display as the Echo Show 10 does, the wider 110-degree field of view digitally zooms and pans to keep the subject in the middle of the frame for video calls, much like Center Stage coming to the new iPad Pro.
Amazon’s security service Alexa Guard on the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 allows you to drop in on the camera while you’re away. Set Guard to Away Mode for Smart Alerts on your mobile if the Echo Show detects the sound of potential intruders, smoke alarms or glass breaking.
Echo Show 8 is also getting some AR video tricks. When on a video call you can add yourself into street art, classic painting and more, or add animated visual reactions such hearts, laughs or confetti.
Echo Show 5 Kids is designed for children with parental controls. The additional $10 over the regular Echo Show 5 will get you a Chameleon fabric covering, a free year of Amazon Kids+ and a “2-year worry-free guarantee”.
All three new Echo Shows are available to order today, with shipping starting June 9th.
Echo Show 5 now comes in a new Deep Sea Blue option alongside Charcoal and Glacier White. It’s $5 less than the initial price of the first generation Echo Show 5 at $84.99.
Echo Show 5 Kids is $94.99 or $109.99 with an Echo Glow multicolours smart lamp, that usually costs $29.99
All three models are available with an adjustable stand, while Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are available with a Blink Mini indoor security camera for an additional $10, that usually costs $34.99.
If you don’t need the new feature, the first generation Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 are currently selling for $49.99 and $109.99 respectively.
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