The second generation of Amazon Echo Show 8, whose review was found in this article, is essentially identical to the first model except for an improved processor and camera. This is such a successful device that it remains a highly recommended purchase even in the first generation model, currently offered with a 41% discount instead of the list price of 109.99 euros for only 64.99 euros starting from this Amazon page.
In practice, Amazon’s engineers have put their hand to only two technical specifications because everything else does not change. Mind you: this is not a negative point or a Cons reported at the end of the review because it was basically useless to improve what in the first version was already considered one of the best smart speakers with video on the market.
- 1 One device, one thousand functions
- 2 Alexa, voice-first
- 3 New camera
- 4 Amazing sound, like the first model
- 5 Versatile screen, perfect digital frame
- 6 Security camera
- 7 Amazon Echo Show 8 2nd Generation Review: Ultimately
- 8 Price and Availability
- 9 PRO
- 10 AGAINST
One device, one thousand functions
Very simple to install and use, it offers the best of both worlds: the Alexa voice assistant and the multitude of functions that can only be managed by voice, plus all the possibilities offered by the presence of the screen. Video calls, instructions, and recipes even in photos and videos, a digital frame to show all our best photos and memories with no storage space limits, streaming content playback, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, even remote monitoring of the house and the list can go on and on. Without forgetting to listen to music and managing the smart home which alone opens up a whole new universe.
Alexa, first of all, the voice
The 8-inch screen offers a resolution of 1,280 x 800 pixels: on paper today they may seem very few, but in reality, you will never use the Echo Show 8 at the same close range as a smartphone. Even from the most distant point in the kitchen, the most suitable room for this device together with the living room, we will be able to look pleased with our family or vacation photos, appreciating their colors, resolution, and contrast. This is also thanks to the presence of the ambient light sensor, absent in the first model, which automatically adjusts the color balance and white calibration, based on the light in the room and the various hours of the day.
The new eight-core processor makes the device more responsive in all applications and especially in the response to touch commands. While the camera update was due and mandatory because in the first model it was only 1 megapixel: a laughable resolution for years, but which has become completely obsolete due to the pandemic and the need to make video calls for work and leisure.
New camera
The new 13-megapixel camera, the same present in the larger and more expensive model Echo Show 10, does its job very well showing natural colors and appearance, also thanks to the wide-angle lens with a wide view of everything in front of the device. The wide view is also exploited by the automatic framing of the subject following the speaker, keeping it in the center, through digital panning and zooming.
This feature does not reach the same quality and speed as Apple’s Center Stage on the iPad Pro M1, so it’s best to avoid moving quickly during video calls otherwise there is a risk that every now and then the system will lose the frame on us for a fraction. second. In any case, everything works discreetly and at more than acceptable levels for a device in this price range.
Thanks to the presence of the screen and the improved video camera, Amazon Echo Show allows you to make video calls to all smartphones with the Alexa app, to other Echo devices, as well as to Skype and Zoom. Our speech is picked up very well both up close and at a distance by 4 microphones.
Amazing audio, like the first model
Instead, for audio reproduction, the valid and tested system of the first model remains unchanged, consisting of two 2-inch speakers, then 52mm, 10W each in combination with a passive bass radiator. Audio is one of the strengths of the Amazon Echo Show 8 because it is powerful and full, as well as of good quality – a surprise for a device of this size and price, capable of filling a medium-small room without problems. Those who have used only smaller Echo models with mono audio so far will be pleasantly surprised by the leap in quality and power, enjoying even more streaming music playback with the free songs included in Amazon Prime Music, with the full Amazon subscription. Music, but also with alternative services Spotify and Apple Music. 
Versatile screen, perfect digital frame
Compared to the Echo Show 5, which is more suitable for the bedroom nightstand, this model makes better use of the larger 8-inch screen and the new graphic interface. Multiple tabs are shown in rotation side by side with time, weather forecast, functions, advice, and information based on the time of day: news in the morning and during the day, music, and relaxing playlists in the evening. A useful and pleasant function because it can be consulted without interacting with Alexa, simply by looking at the screen. 
All this alternates with our photos and images, thus acting as a digital frame: all Amazon Prime subscribers have unlimited cloud storage on Amazon Photos to keep their shots. From the app of the same name it is also possible to choose the photos stored on the iPhone and Android, all or only the ones you want, to create a backup copy in the cloud and from which Echo Show 8 draws to always display different ones in rotation, to the delight of all. family and friends.
Security camera
Once the camera has been upgraded, Amazon has seen fit to use it also to monitor home when we are not there with the new Home Monitoring function. You must activate it from the Settings by entering the username and password of your Amazon account. Once done within the Alexa app on your smartphone, you can open the Devices list and then Camera to watch live streaming via the Internet what happens in the kitchen or living room in our absence.
To protect the privacy and inform any people present, a third of the entire screen is occupied by an impossible not to see the message “A member of your family unit is viewing your camera”, a warning that remains on the screen for the entire time of the stream. until the connection is closed.
For those who do not trust or want to have the absolute certainty of never being observed unexpectedly, a physical lever allows you to cover the camera lens. With the Camera function, presence and motion detection with automatic alerts are not available: the Echo Show 8 does not turn into a real security camera, but it is undoubtedly a further welcome new additional function, included in the price. Now we come to the conclusion of the second-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 review
Amazon Echo Show 8 Second Generation Review: Ultimately
At the end of our review of the second-generation Amazon Echo Show 8, we point out what we believe is the only weak point, not of the device itself which is practically impossible to beat given the exceptional value for money functions quality, but rather a mole of the Amazon Echo devices with displays.
With each revolution of the smart speakers with the addition of the screen, the graphic interface is improved and enriched with new functions, but one always gets the impression that it is still a smart speaker with mainly voice control, while the graphic part, touch, and video is still a little unripe, or in any case, it can be improved.
For those who do not yet own a smart speaker with a screen and also for those who have yet to buy their first device of this type, the second-generation Amazon Echo Show 8 is one of the best on the market and also one of the best ever within the whole. Amazon’s Echo range. It is so successful that, for those not interested in video calls, it is still a valid purchase in the first version, with display and audio identical to the new one, proposed at the list price of 109.99 euros, but in these hours in a super offer for only 64.99 euros from this Amazon page, a real bargain.
Price and availability
Amazon Echo Show 8 of the second generation is offered at the list price of 129.99 euros and can be bought from this Amazon page in ice white or anthracite colors.
