Amazon Echo Show 8 Review UK

ByAnthony Caroleo

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) Review: Is This the Smart Display You Need in Your UK Home?

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering a compelling blend of visual and auditory capabilities within the Amazon Alexa smart home ecosystem. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, features, performance, and overall value, specifically considering its suitability for UK households. Is this mid-sized smart display the perfect addition to your connected home, or are there better options available? Let’s find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) features a clean and modern design that should integrate seamlessly into most home environments. The 8-inch touchscreen display is bright and clear, making it ideal for displaying photos, videos, and information. The fabric-covered back panel adds a touch of sophistication, available in Charcoal, Glacier White, and a limited-edition Blue.

* **Pros:**
* Sleek and unobtrusive design complements various décor styles.
* The 8-inch screen size strikes a good balance between visibility and footprint.
* Improved 13MP camera with auto-framing for better video calls.
* **Cons:**
* The angled stand is not adjustable, limiting viewing angles in some situations.
* Larger bezel around the screen compared to some competitors.
* Power cable is still quite bulky.

The build quality feels solid and durable. The device sits securely on a flat surface, and the buttons for volume control and microphone/camera mute are easily accessible on top of the device.

Display and Audio Performance

The 8-inch HD (1280 x 800) touchscreen display offers good clarity and colour accuracy for its price point. It’s perfectly adequate for viewing photos, watching short videos, and reading information from Alexa.

The audio quality has been improved over the previous generation, delivering richer bass and clearer vocals. The dual 2-inch speakers provide enough volume for most rooms in the house, making it suitable for listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

* **Pros:**
* Clear and bright display for easy viewing of information and media.
* Enhanced audio performance compared to the previous generation.
* Suitable for video calls, streaming, and general information display.
* **Cons:**
* The display resolution is not as high as some premium smart displays.
* Audio quality, while improved, isn’t audiophile-grade.
* Auto-brightness can sometimes be slow to adjust.

Alexa Integration and Smart Home Features

The Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is powered by Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant, giving you access to a vast range of skills and features. You can use voice commands to control your smart home devices, play music, set timers, get news and weather updates, make calls, and much more.

The built-in smart home hub supports Zigbee protocol, allowing you to connect and control compatible devices without needing a separate hub. This is particularly useful for those looking to automate home lighting with products like Philips Hue or IKEA Tradfri. You can control compatible lights, thermostats, and door locks directly from the Echo Show 8.

* **Pros:**
* Seamless integration with the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.
* Built-in Zigbee hub for direct control of compatible smart home devices.
* Voice control of a vast range of smart home devices and skills.
* Integration with various streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and TuneIn.
* Drop In feature for easy communication with other Echo devices.
* **Cons:**
* Alexa can sometimes misinterpret voice commands, requiring repetition.
* Reliance on the Amazon ecosystem might be limiting for users invested in other platforms.
* Privacy concerns regarding data collection by Amazon.

For example, you can use the Echo Show 8 as a central control panel to manage your Philips Hue smart lighting system. You could set up routines to dim the lights in the evening or turn them on automatically when you enter a room. To get started with smart lighting, a Philips Hue Starter Kit is a worthwhile investment.

Camera and Video Calling

The upgraded 13MP camera offers a significant improvement in image quality for video calls. The auto-framing feature automatically adjusts the camera to keep you centred in the frame, even if you move around during the call. This is particularly useful for hands-free video calls with family and friends.

* **Pros:**
* Improved camera quality for clearer video calls.
* Auto-framing feature keeps you centred in the frame.
* Physical camera shutter for enhanced privacy.
* **Cons:**
* Camera quality is not as good as dedicated webcams.
* Auto-framing can sometimes be a bit too aggressive.

The Echo Show 8 supports video calls via Alexa Calling, Skype, and Zoom. You can also use the Drop In feature to easily connect with other Echo devices in your home.

Privacy Features

Amazon has included several privacy features to address growing concerns about data collection. The Echo Show 8 has a physical camera shutter that you can slide over the lens to block video recording. There’s also a microphone/camera mute button that electronically disconnects the microphones and camera.

You can also review and delete your voice recordings in the Alexa app. Amazon has also introduced features like on-device processing, which allows some voice commands to be processed locally on the device without sending data to the cloud.

* **Pros:**
* Physical camera shutter for guaranteed privacy.
* Microphone/camera mute button.
* Ability to review and delete voice recordings.
* On-device processing for some voice commands.
* **Cons:**
* Reliance on Amazon’s privacy policies and practices.
* Data collection is still a concern for some users.

Setting Up the Amazon Echo Show 8

Setting up the Amazon Echo Show 8 is a straightforward process. You simply plug it in, connect it to your Wi-Fi network, and then log in to your Amazon account. The device will then guide you through the setup process, including configuring Alexa and connecting to your smart home devices. The whole simple setup process won’t take more than 10 minutes.

* **Pros:**
* Simple and intuitive setup process.
* Clear instructions guide you through each step.
* Automatic software updates keep the device up-to-date.
* **Cons:**
* Requires an Amazon account.
* Initial setup requires a Wi-Fi connection.

Alternatives to the Amazon Echo Show 8

While the Echo Show 8 is a strong contender in the smart display market, several alternatives are worth considering.

* **Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen):** Offers similar features with Google Assistant integration. It features sleep tracking and a more seamless integration with Google services like YouTube and Google Photos.
* **Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen):** A smaller and more affordable option, ideal for bedside tables or smaller rooms.
* **Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen):** A larger, premium option with a rotating screen and enhanced audio capabilities.
* **Facebook Portal:** Primarily designed for video calling, offering a high-quality camera and unique features like AR effects.

The best alternative for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, the Nest Hub might be a better choice. If you prioritize video calling, the Facebook Portal could be a good option. However, for most users in the UK, the Echo Show 8 offers a balanced combination of features, performance, and value.

Value for Money

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) offers excellent value for money. It provides a good balance of features, performance, and affordability, making it a compelling option for users looking to add a smart display to their home.

Compared to other smart displays on the market, the Echo Show 8 offers a competitive price point. While it’s not the cheapest option available, it provides a significant upgrade over entry-level devices like the Echo Show 5. It also offers a more affordable alternative to premium devices like the Echo Show 10.

Use Cases in the UK

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is particularly well-suited for various use cases in UK homes:

* **Kitchen:** Display recipes, set timers, play music while cooking, and make video calls to family and friends.
* **Living Room:** Control smart home devices, watch videos, display photos, and get news and weather updates.
* **Bedroom:** Use as a smart alarm clock, play ambient sounds for sleep, and control smart lights.
* **Home Office:** Make video calls, manage your calendar, and control smart devices like lights and thermostats.

The compact size and versatile features of the Echo Show 8 make it a great addition to any room in the house. It’s a good device to control Alexa-Compatible Smart Bulbs.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)?

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is a well-rounded smart display that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. Its improved camera, enhanced audio, and seamless Alexa integration make it a great addition to any smart home.

While it’s not perfect, with some minor drawbacks like the non-adjustable stand and reliance on the Amazon ecosystem, the Echo Show 8 offers a balanced and versatile experience. It’s particularly well-suited for users who are already invested in the Amazon ecosystem and are looking for a mid-sized smart display for controlling their smart home devices, making video calls, and enjoying multimedia content. For those looking to start their smart home journey, a hub-less design such as the Direct Connect smart bulbs and the Echo Show 8 can be a Cost-effective entry point.

If you’re looking for a smart display that offers a good balance of features, performance, and affordability, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is definitely worth considering. It’s a versatile device that can enhance your smart home experience and simplify your daily life.

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