07 July 2023 , 11:00
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‘Alexa play Jaded by Miley Cyrus’, this was the first thing I did after setting up my new smart home device from Amazon. Song choice aside and the Echo Show 8 has really become the ‘go-to’ device in our home, it’s even overtaken my phone.
Known for its Alexa-powered voice assistant, Amazon’s own tech devices came into their own with the Echo Dots - with many households adding the smart speakers to a worktop in their home, even my nan has one. Now the retailer has exceeded the original speakers' performance with its tablet version - the Echo Show 8 1st Gen.
It’s not the newest in the game and was launched in 2019, if you’re set on getting the newest then the 2nd Gen Echo Show 8 is for you, although there seems to be little differences between the two.
If you’re like me and never had an Alexa device before, or one of the first Echo Dots, then this perfectly sized tablet will change your day-to-day tech life, it certainly has for me. It’s not too bad on the eye either, making it a suitable feature in any styled home.
Let's get into the specs - What can the Echo Show 8 do?
The Echo Show displays memories from my phone camera roll whilst in standbyEssentially it's a visual version of Amazon’s Echo Dot, featuring all the same qualities the standard round speaker does. It can stream Amazon music, search the web, and play Prime Video and Netflix. To me, it wouldn't be a proper Amazon device without Alexa so of course its voice assistant is at the heart of all its features.
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The standout element of the Echo Show 8 - and is included on the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 15 models, is its design shifting the focus from a tabletop speaker to a hands-free tablet.
For those who're already kitted out with fellow Amazon devices, this gadget will likely be the 'hub' of them all, you can set it up to connect to Ring Doorbell security cameras (just say 'Alexa show me the front door camera') smart plugs, and Fire TV's. If not, there's no doubt you'll have the whole family calling out its name to play the next tune, video or make a call because that's exactly what happened with ours.
Now, let’s get into how it actually works around the house.
Video call or wind down to your favourite series
The Grand Tour: Eurocrash was the first Prime Video watch I tested out on the Show 8At the first unboxing Amazon makes it no secret that video is at the heart of this device, thanks to its decent 8-inch screen. Having always had Prime Video on my phone I can now play films and series around the house.
I tested it out by popping on the latest The Grand Tour: Eurocrash, something you could do from anywhere around the house, even if you just feel like a bit of background noise. Obviously, it's not going to replace a TV but it's a handy feature if the remote is already being hogged (I think we can all relate to that).
Now we move onto its video calling another plus that takes it from your standard speaker to more of a tablet or smartphone, although it's not the easiest to setup. The Echo Show 8 comes with a camera in the top right corner, which can also be discreetly hidden if you don't always want to be on show. Thanks to this users can make video calls, but only to contacts who have the Alexa app.
This is where the feature became useless for me, as none of my friends or family use the Alexa App, so I couldn't sync their contact to call. Don't get me wrong it's a great feature and having tested out the camera and the normal call setting I can tell that the quality would overtake the likes of Zoom, teams and Skype (remember them?) and is just as good as using Apple's FaceTime.
Just say: 'Alex, video call.... (say name)'.
'Alexa, what shall I cook for dinner'
A recipe 'on hand' at all times if you set up the device in your kitchen - it took me seconds to find a dish I likedThe great thing I found using the Echo Show 8 is the fact it works in every room, including the kitchen. This has now become its permanent spot in my home after testing out a few spots around the living room.
Alexa can find a recipe in just a few seconds which has certainly saved me from getting my phone out to look on Google or even dust off the very few cookbooks I have on the shelf. The fact you don't have to touch anything with messy hands just makes life so much easier too.
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Cooking instructions aside and I've found this to be the best place to home the device, you can answer calls whilst cooking, listen to a podcast or even watch a film. It may be lazy but I love it.
Where to buy the Echo Show 8
The first option is a no-brainer, so I like many went with the namesake retailer Amazon. As the older model the Echo Show 8 first Gen is currently just under £100, although having kept my eye on the model the price does fluctuate, sometimes to as low as £60.
Even though it’s an Amazon piece of tech that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best place to buy the device for all shoppers. You may have an Argos gift card to use up or are a regular shopper at Curry’s.
These are the retailers that stock the same Echo Show 8 1st Gen or similar Echo Show devices.
Argos -
John Lewis -
Currys -