Amazon introduces Echo Show -- now Alexa can show you things
It leaked last week, but now Amazon has officially announced its latest Echo family member. The Echo Show is different from Amazon's other Alexa-powered devices thanks to the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen.
This will allow Alexa to show you things, such as YouTube videos, music lyrics, photos, video from connected security cameras, weather forecasts, and to-do lists, but it will also let you make and receive video calls.
Amazon’s new product page says this about the Echo Show:
Voice responses from Alexa are now enhanced with visuals and optimized for visibility across the room. Call or message your family and friends that also have an Echo or the Alexa App, get the news with a video flash briefing, see your Prime Photos, shop with your voice, see lyrics with Amazon Music, and more. All you have to do is ask.
Echo Show has eight microphones and beam-forming technology so it can hear you from across the room -- even while music is playing. Echo Show is also an expertly tuned speaker that can fill any room with immersive audio powered by Dolby. When you want to use Echo Show, just say the wake word "Alexa" and Echo Show responds instantly.
The Echo Show is priced at $229.99 (£220 in the UK, and €240 in Germany), although if you buy two (and use the code SHOW2PACK) you can save $100. It’s available for pre-order now and will ship on June 28. You can choose from Black and White models.
The tech specs are as follows:
| Size | 7.4” x 7.4” x 3.5” (187 mm x 187 mm x 90 mm) |
| Weight | 41.0 oz. (1170 grams) Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process |
| Display | 7" touchscreen |
| Camera | 5MP |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Show or from Echo Show to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected mobile devices. Hands-free voice control is not supported for Mac OS X devices. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes are not supported. |
| Audio | Dual 2 inch stereo speakers |
| Alexa App | The Alexa App is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices. |
| Processor | Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor for advanced technology and processing capabilities |
| Warranty and Service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Echo Show is subject to the terms found here. |
| Included in the Box | Echo Show, power adapter/cable (6 ft.), Things to Try card, and quick start guide. |
The Echo has been a big success for Amazon. According to research firm eMarketer, the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot devices will claim a 70.6 percent share of the US market this year. With increased competition from Google Home, Microsoft Cortana powered devices like Invoke, and rumored Siri-powered devices from Apple, it’s important for Amazon to stay one step ahead, which is clearly what it’s hoping to do with the Echo Show.