By June Ramli
Perth, Aug 21: It has been a week since I received a complimentary Amazon Echo Show 8 for review, and it has already found a place in my daily routine.
I am no stranger to Alexa. This is my third Alexa-enabled device, but the newest-generation Echo Show 8 is different because its 8.7-inch HD touchscreen makes it feel like a miniature tablet rather than just another smart speaker.
I can watch shows or listen to music while writing stories, ask Alexa questions and set reminders for things I might otherwise forget. The redesigned display is clear and vibrant, while the spatial audio delivers strong sound for a device of this size.
The feature I have found most useful is its ability to help in the kitchen. I can search for recipes, follow instructions on the screen, set timers and add ingredients to a shopping list using voice commands. It means I do not have to keep reaching for my phone while preparing food.
The Echo Show 8 also includes a built-in smart-home hub, allowing compatible lights, cameras, thermostats and other devices to be controlled through the screen or by voice.
Amazon says the latest model has 15 per cent more viewing space and up to twice the bass of its 2023 predecessor.
Video calling is another prominent feature, supported by a centred auto-framing camera, zoom and noise-reduction technology. However, I have not properly tested it because I do not yet know anyone using an Echo device for video calls. For now, entertainment, reminders and kitchen assistance have been its most valuable functions.
My only disappointment is that the Echo Show 8 needs to stay plugged into a power outlet. It does not have a built-in battery, so it cannot be carried around and used like a tablet. It is lightweight and easy to move between rooms, but it must be connected to power wherever it is used.
The latest Echo Show 8 also includes early access to Alexa+, Amazon’s more conversational AI assistant. According to Amazon, Alexa+ will later be included with Prime, while non-Prime customers will pay $29.99 a month after the early-access period.
Priced at $349 in Australia at the time of writing, the Echo Show 8 is not an impulse purchase.
However, its combination of entertainment, reminders, recipe assistance, sound and smart-home controls gives it more uses than a conventional smart speaker.
After one week, I have found it attractive, easy to operate and genuinely useful. It has become a small assistant that sits beside me while I work and joins me in the kitchen when it is time to cook.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 was supplied to DailyStraits.com on a complimentary basis for review.
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