The Amazon Echo and Dot are fabulous products that can make a senior’s life so much easier. It can tell you the weather forecast, time, stock prices, play games, set cooking timers, provide medication reminders and the list goes on. So, what is the Amazon Echo Show? Amazon also has a line of smart speakers called the Echo Show which has a display. So why would a voice assistant need to have a display and why should I consider getting one?
The Echo Show has the same Alexa virtual assistant as the Dot and Echo, but it also has a touchscreen display to provide additional information such as videos. Amazon first released the Echo Show in 2017 which is referred to as the “First Generation” Amazon Echo Show. The next device was released in 2018 and is called the “Second Generation” Echo Show. In 2019, Amazon released two new devices – the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 which are the most recent devices.
In this article, we’re going to help you understand the benefits of each Echo Show product. We also want to give you a few things you should take into consideration before buying one.
Let’s get started !
What can the Echo Show Do?
With the Amazon Echo Show, you get all the power of Alexa in addition to a screen. One of the best uses for the Echo Show is that it’s a perfect replacement for that old kitchen TV and it doesn’t take up a lot of room. Here are 5 things you can do with the Echo Show
Make a video call
Sure, you can call your mom using an Echo Dot, but you can see your mom when you call her on an Echo Show. Video calls are super easy. It comes with a built-in camera and a great speaker so you can make video calls. The Alexa app can connect you with anyone who has an Echo Show, an Echo Spot, or the Alexa app installed on their smartphone.
This is a great product to stay in touch with your parents especially during these times when in-person visits are difficult to come by, take a look at the Echo Show. It’s a great way to stay in touch.
Connect to your calendar
This is a great way to set up reminders for taking medications, doctor’s appointments, your favorite TV shows, and even regular calls to check in with family and friends. The Alexa app can link your calendar, whether it’s through iCloud, Gmail, G Suite, or Microsoft. Actually, being able to see (and hear) your reminders is really great way to keep your life and health on track.
Check your Ring Doorbell camera
The Ring Doorbell is a smart doorbell that notifies homeowners when they have company. It has a built-in camera and microphone/speaker that allows you the see (and talk to) the person at the door with your smartphone or Echo Show so you don’t actually have to go to the door. Add the Ring Skill and a simple “Alexa, show my front door” command will display the video on your device.
Cooking
If you love to cook, the Echo Show is for you. Watch live and on-demand cooking classes, cook hands-free, interact with expert chefs, and stream episodes of your favorite Food Network series. Try “Alexa, open Food Network Kitchen” to stream full episodes of Food Network cooking shows. Or, try “Alexa, show cooking classes” to choose from live and on-demand classes taught by your favorite chefs.
Entertainment
Use your voice to play movies, videos, or TV shows from Prime Video and supported streaming services. Try Show me [title]”, “Search for [TV show]” or “Show me movies with [actor].” If you have a Hulu account, the Hulu skill also enables you to stream Hulu shows.
Best Amazon Echo Show for Seniors
Winner: Echo Show 8
The Echo Show 8 smart display has an 8” screen, 2 high-quality speakers, and a 1MB video camera.
This device is ideal for placing on your kitchen counter and can show you things like step-by-step recipe instructions – this is especially handy when you’re prepping ingredients for a recipe and someone calls you.
You can check on the weather, your shopping list, view the Ring Doorbell video, watch movie trailers, and more. Great for viewing your family albums from amazon photos. See pictures of your kids, grandchildren, and family vacations
Currently, the Echo Show 8 is $99.99 at Amazon.
Best Amazon Alexa Echo Show for the Budget-Conscious
Winner: Echo Show 5
The Echo Show 5 smart display has a 5.5” screen, 1 speaker, and a 1MB video camera.
Echo Show 5 is a compact smart display (roughly the size of a tablet) that connects with Alexa to help you organize your life, your home and your entertainment.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 packs a lot of features into a compact smart display that can easily fit on your nightstand. The sunrise alarms make getting out of bed easy. Also great for viewing your reminders or list before you get out of bed.
The Echo Show 5 is $69.99 at Amazon.
Best Amazon Alexa Echo Show Smart Home
Winner: Echo Show
This is the top-of-the-line Echo smart display with a 10” screen, 2-high quality speakers, a 5 MB video camera, and a built-in smart home hub to allow you to seamlessly connect and control your smart devices in your home
Easily set up and control compatible Zigbee smart home devices without the need for a separate hub. Just say, “Alexa, discover my devices,” and Echo Show will discover and set up compatible devices so you can control them with your voice or manage them on-screen. Here are 3 great Zigbee smart home devices to consider:
Philips Hue White Dimmable LED Smart Bulbs
Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt Lock
Securifi Peanut Smart Plug
Currently, the Echo Show is $229.99 at Amazon.
Final Verdict
With the current pandemic, families have become even more separated. Having an Echo Show is a great way to stay connected with family and friends. Being able to see a loved one’s face can really brighten someone’s day. While all the Show devices have their benefits, the best overall is the Echo Show 8 – it is the best mix of size and cost.