Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) | With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa | Charcoal

10 reviews for Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) | With Spatial Audio, Smart Home Hub, and Alexa | Charcoal

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   HR Hamada – 7 October 2024

   
   I literally u this more than a dozen times a day.It has some new home networking features, such as Matter, over previous models. I don’t really use the new features because I only have a half dozen automation devices but it will grow with me. (or more likely because of the great trade in privileges, I will just keep upgrading whether I need to or not. I try to be frugal on most devices like tv, laptops and desktop , but amazon trade ins when stacked with discounts make so I wind up trading things inn all the time.The screen is the perfect size for me, doesn’t take up too much room on the desk or nightstand, but big enough to see clearly. I experimented with the 10 inch size during one of the generation changes, but it wasn’t good for my life style and home furnishings so I am back at the size I prefer.Sound it a little better, more 3D like, but this is no comparison to a soundbar (but it CAN be linked to a soundbar or bluetooth speaker). The alexa voice is a BIG differnce, more lifelike. When I got the new echo show, I compared it to the old echo show. I thought that alexa resided in the cloud and the voices would be exactly the same, but the new voice is more lifelike and actually has natural language cadence. It’s the same camera. I don’t care one bit if it is off to the right like the previous generation, or it is in the center like it is now.

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   RE – 21 October 2024

   
   These are pretty cool. We use them for my kids room, our bathroom and my parents use in their kitchen. They work well in all locations. The moisture in the bathroom has not created any issues and I get it steamy a lot. The volume and sound quality are great for the price and there is no more delay than any other electronic. I am able to get it to connect to our receiver to stream to the speakers in the bathroom for improved sound. The video is what I was looking for and it’s been knocked off the counter a few times and still works great. For the cost this is a great product that I will most likely buy more of. The features are great and being able to see your answers you would normally ask Alexa on the screen is a game changer on occasions. I highly recommend buying if you are looking for an upgrade to the dots.

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Samrat Roy – 1 October 2024

   
   The Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023) is a notable upgrade, blending smart home control with enhanced audio and visual capabilities. Here are some key features and insights:DesignThe Echo Show 8 maintains a sleek and modern design, making it a versatile addition to any room. The 8-inch HD display is bright and clear, suitable for video calls, streaming, or checking recipes.Audio QualityWith the introduction of spatial audio, the sound experience is significantly improved. It delivers a rich and immersive audio quality, making it great for music playback, podcasts, and watching videos. The enhanced bass and clarity help create a more engaging listening experience.Smart Home HubAs a smart home hub, the Echo Show 8 excels. It seamlessly integrates with various smart devices, allowing users to control lights, thermostats, cameras, and more through a user-friendly interface. The ability to create routines and manage multiple devices makes it a convenient central control point for smart homes.Alexa FeaturesWith Alexa’s latest enhancements, voice commands are more responsive and accurate. You can ask about the weather, set reminders, and even control compatible smart home devices with ease. The visual interface also allows for easy access to information and visual content, making it a great companion for daily tasks.Video Calling and StreamingThe improved camera quality makes video calls clearer and more enjoyable. Additionally, streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix are readily accessible, and the display size is perfect for casual viewing.Privacy FeaturesAmazon has continued to prioritize user privacy, with physical camera and microphone controls that allow users to easily disable these features when desired.Final ThoughtsOverall, the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is a solid upgrade that enhances both audio and smart home capabilities. Whether you’re looking for an interactive display for video calls, a music player, or a smart home hub, this device checks many boxes. Its combination of features, design, and usability makes it a compelling choice for anyone looking to elevate their smart home experience.

4. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   I.M. Anamazoner – 1 August 2024

   
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   Riddle: What do you call an “Echo Show 8” when its display isn’t working? -You call it simply an “expensive Echo 8”!I’ve had the display on my new Show 8 (gen. 3) stop working twice in the 3 weeks I’ve owned and used it. Since this is not my first Echo Show (I’ve owned 5 of them over the last 4 years, including the 3 I still have now), and I know this display problem is not normal. A reboot (unplugging then replugging in the electrical power) restored the display the first time. This second occurrence of the problem left me concerned: how often can I expect this issue to resurface, and does it just indicate a hardware defect in my unit? So I made the accompanying video so that you could see what I’m referring to.It turns out that telling Alexa to “Turn Off display” while it’s having this malfunction (while the display is black and the Display is non-responsive but while the device still responds audibly) And then saying “Alexa” (the wake word) restored the display and its responsiveness (to touch and verbal commands).But I don’t think that’s a permanent fix.Amazon customer support did advise toggling off the Auto Sleep setting in the device. This might be an acknowledgement of a software bug in that feature, but if it is, it’s not afflicting my other Show (a current generation Show 10) that’s using Auto Sleep.Except for the above, I do like my third generation Show 8 for the quality of its sound, responsiveness, overall utility (alarms, podcast-listening, news briefs, clock, timers, display of weather conditions, calendar events, home automation of smart lights and smart plugs for fans/+, hours and phone numbers of local retailers, etc.), and the display – when it’s functioning properly!My Show 8 (gen. 3) did have one other problem during my first 3 weeks of using it: Increasingly, I needed to repeat the wake word (“Alexa”) to get the Show 8’s attention. So I positioned my other Show 8 (gen. 1) near it on the same table and asked them both the same question – first the new “gen. 3” Show 8, then the “gen 1” Show 8 (which uses “Echo” as it’s wake word). Then I listened to the Voice Activity in the Alexa app on my phone. There was considerable Distortion in the new “gen. 3” Show 8’s recording, while the recording of the old (gen. 1) was remarkably clear. The short story is that Amazon customer support recommended the obligatory reboot, and that “fixed” it – for now, at least. (There was a theory that there may have been an external cause, but my testing has been unable to find evidence of that.)

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Amazon Customer – 24 October 2024

   
   My Alexa just went out and stopped working. I put in a product replacement but seems like we have a tech issue on hand(Update, I reset my apt power and it’s working again!)

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Gary – 27 September 2024

   
   I had a Show 5 for many years and when I saw the price drop on the Show 8 3rd gen, $104, I couln’t wait any longer. What a difference! Not only is the Show 8 display larger, the resolution is amazing! The display is bright, clear and the colors are true and bold. The sound on my Show 5 is muffled and not crisp and clear. The Show 8 sound is crisp, clear and full range. I have my Show 8 on my breakfast bar so I can listen to music while I am cooking. The sound fills my small apartment with pleasent, accurate music that is a joyful listening experience. The touchscreen requires only a light touch and is fast to respond. Unlike my Show 5, the Show 8 responds to my voice commands the first time even from 20 feet away. I still have my Show 5, however it has been moved to my bathroom with its small footprint. If you are looking for a medium sized smart speaker, with fast response, accurate color rendition, full range sound for your music and a budget friendly cost I would recommend considering the Echo Show 8 3rd gen. Paired with a tilt and swivel magnetic base makes it a choice you won’t regret.

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Space saver – 10 October 2024

   
   I love white, it looks so beautiful! Easy to set up, it is like having a tablet, the sound is perfect, and the alarm clock work fine, easy to access the volume control. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

   
8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   George – 4 September 2024

   
   I bought this product to replace an echo show that I’ve had for nearly 7 years. The old units display with occasionally flicker and I knew it was time for a new one. I am thoroughly pleased with the echo show 8. First off, the increased display size is a welcome change to my aging eyes. It is easier to see and the touchscreen easier to use. I used the option to link the device to my Amazon account, which made set up a breeze when the unit arrived. The sound quality is improved over previous versions. I also ordered the stand that comes with the USB-C port, which is extremely convenient. I am thoroughly pleased with the echo show 8. If there is a drawback, it is that I see more advertisements then I would like. I have the photo display option selected in my settings, and I do not see my photos near as often as I did on my old device. Other than that, I am extremely pleased with the performance of this product. I recommend it.

9. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Jay K. – 29 October 2024

   
   I recently bought my Amazon Echo Show 8 and here are my thoughts in terms of its pros and cons:It is a versatile smart display that offers excellent balance between size, functionality, and price. With its 8-inch HD screen, decent audio quality, and Alexa capabilities, it makes an ideal choice for both entertainment and smart home control. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of the Echo Show 8, particularly focusing on its smart home integration features.### Pros1. **Crisp Display**: The 8-inch HD screen is a great size for viewing content, checking recipes, and video calling. The screen is clear and responsive, making it easy to navigate.2. **Decent Audio Quality**: It has better speakers than smaller Echo devices. Its sound quality is suitable for listening to music, podcasts, and watching videos with reasonable bass and clarity.3. **Alexa Capabilities**: With Alexa, the Echo Show 8 can manage reminders, answer questions, play music, and control smart home devices. Alexa responds quickly to voice commands and is always improving.4. **Smart Home Integration**: It integrates well with a wide range of smart home devices. It can control lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more. The screen makes it easy to view live feeds from compatible cameras, such as Ring doorbells, giving you real-time control over your home’s security.5. **Video Calling**: The 13 MP camera allows for clear video calling, with features such as auto-framing that keeps you centered in the shot as you move. It works with Alexa-to-Alexa calling and supports Skype and Zoom.6. **Privacy Controls**: Amazon includes privacy features, including a physical shutter to cover the camera and options to manage microphone and camera permissions, which is reassuring for privacy-conscious users.### Cons1. **Screen Resolution**: While the display is HD, it’s not as sharp as some high-end tablets or competing smart displays. Some users may find it adequate for the price, but others may wish for a higher resolution.2. **Limited App Compatibility**: The Echo Show 8 supports streaming from platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix, but it lacks native support for some other popular services, like Disney+.3. **Occasional Lag**: Some users have reported occasional lag with certain features or apps. While it performs well for most tasks, the Echo Show 8 can feel slightly sluggish with more intensive usage.4. **Heavy Amazon Ecosystem**: It is very much tied into the Amazon ecosystem, so users who aren’t invested in Alexa or Amazon services may find some limitations in their experience.### Smart Home IntegrationThe Echo Show 8 really shines when it comes to smart home integration. Through Alexa, the device can connect to a broad array of smart home gadgets, including lights, plugs, cameras, and locks from popular brands like Philips Hue, Ring, TP-Link, and more. The screen enables unique capabilities, such as monitoring video feeds or managing device groups (e.g., turning off all lights in one room with a single command). Additionally, Alexa routines allow you to automate complex tasks across multiple devices, making it easy to personalize your home automation.### VerdictThe Amazon Echo Show 8 is a strong choice for anyone looking to add a smart display to their home. It’s reasonably priced, offers solid performance, and integrates well with most smart home systems. While it’s not without its drawbacks, particularly regarding screen resolution and app limitations, the device remains a valuable addition to a connected home. Whether you’re new to smart displays or looking to upgrade, the Echo Show 8 offers a great balance of features and value.

10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Shaun – 19 October 2024

    
    I purchased this as a result of turning my smart home into an Alexa home. For a couple of years, I had purchased numerous products from various companies with the hope that “Matter” would soon be available so that all of my various devices could communicate and work in tandem. The “Matter” standard may be coming, but not in my lifetime as a solution that I had hoped. Therefore I had a lot of various products just sitting there collecting dust, or if they worked, only for the same company to the point that enough was enough.So I began to purge non- Amazon products and go strictly with their eco-system. It has not been all sugar plums & gum drops, but I am beginn8ng to grasp concepts better as I go along. In my living room, I had the latest 3rd gen display of a competitor, but it was useless as a whole and decided to give it to my parents who are more geared to it and purchased this as it’s replacement.Obviously, the first thing that I noticed was the ease of compatibility and connecting was a breeze. Granted, I went from a 5″ screen to an 8″, but to me the sound of this device is truly what blew me away.I am still trying to figure out skills & such, but it is much less of a learning curve when using devices from one reputable company instead of hoping something may work with another.The display is bright and vibrant with color contrasts and it always recognizes me. Also, with two quick button selections, & your camera and microphone are turned off for privacy.A very pleasant purchase.