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An Echo Show 8 is an Alexa product that is different from the others in that it has a DISPLAY AND A CAMERA. Everything else in terms of its functionality is identical to other Alexa products.
USES
- PHOTOS. You can load up a set of your own photos and have them on a slide show so that the device functions like a digital frame. You can also ask it to use its own photos (you can pick the theme) and it will rotate through them as a form of screensaver (as shown here).
- TURN OFF DISPLAY. If the display bothers you (eg next to your bed at night), you can simply ask Alexa to turn off the display.
- CLOCK & CALENDAR. It's a helpful CLOCK and CALENDAR that shows the date and time
- WEATHER. You can also set it to display the WEATHER and alert you of any weather advisory. In addition to the display, you can simply ask Alexa by voice what the weather is as you are getting ready for the day.
- SCHEDULE. I linked it to my SCHEDULE, so that it displays my day's activities and meetings. I also set it to remind me 15 min ahead of every meeting. I work from home, so that's a very helpful feature.
- ALARM & TIMER. I also use Alexa as an easy to use timer and alarm. For example, while baking I'll say "set a timer for 15 min" and it beeps in 15 minutes, even though my hands are full of dough when I set it up (I didn't have to touch anything!). I use the alarm for two reasons. I set up reminders. I also use it to wake me in the morning. Be advise though - it's super easy in your sleepy state to say "Alexa turn off alarm" and then go right back asleep. I also find the default alarm isn't very strong, though it's probably possible to change the beeping...
- LIGHTS. I use it to control several of the lights in my home. I gave each light a different name so that i can say "turn on bedroom lights" or "turn on office lights" and the right light turns on. You have to purchase a special plug for that (i.e., you plug your light plug into a wi-fi enabled device - there are several out there, you just need o make sure it is an Alexa compatible device - most are). I have found this to be particularly helpful for turning on and off difficult to reach lights and switches. I also use it to control my balcony lights, so that I can turn it on and off wherever I am in the world through my phone Alexa app (you just say "turn on balcony lights" and they turn on!)
- MUSIC. Most people use Alexa as a speaker and streaming service to play MUSIC. Any Alexa device gives you access to Amazon music. Alexa music comes in two forms. There is the free service if you are willing to endure a short add every other song or so and if you are okay to play a style of music. To get that you have to say "Play Ed Sheeran AND SIMILAR ARTISTS." Otherwise, if you just want an artist, you have to pay for the monthly subscription, which isn't very expensive (< $10 /month). You can adjust the volume but asking Alexa to play louder or softer. One feature that I found helpful about this particular Alexa product is that it shows you the name of the artist and song it is playing, as well as the album it comes from. While you can always ask any Alexa product what song it is playing, I found just looking at this on the display to be helpful.
- AMAZON PURCHASES. You can, of course, ask Alexa to make purchases on Amazon for you.
- INTERCOM. If you have Alexa products in several rooms in your home, you can use Alexa as an intercom to communicate with others in your home without screaming (for example, alerting them that dinner is ready!)
- CAMERA. One of the features that is different about this product compared to other Alexa products is that it has a built in camera. This could allow you to monitor your pets while you are away or security in your home while you are at work. You can physically turn off the camera to ensure privacy - there is a flip that slides a cover over the camera to ensure privacy.
- VOLUME MIMIC. As I show in the video, the intelligent system will mimic your tone. So if you talk at a normal voice, Alexa will respond at the same volume. But if you whisper to it, it responds in a matched whisper. This can be helpful if you have someone sleeping near you when you set the device.
- RECIPES. I like having one in my kitchen as it can display recipes while I am cooking or baking.
- CHAT. You can use Alexa to chat with other people who also have an Alexa. Although I haven't used this feature, I am guessing that having a camera and display would be like Facetime or a home Zoom...
- OTHER. There are other features as well - for example, Alexa promotes that you can use it to learn a foreign language. You can ask it to tell you jokes, or the news. And you can set up routines, for example it can detect when you come home and immediately play a music or set the lights as you want. But the above are the features I have found most helpful.
OVERALL ASSESSMENTS
I really love my Alexa Echo Show 8. The display is just big enough that I can read it from a distance but not too big that it takes up all of the desk. While the other Alexa devices do not have a display and they work by verbal commands, I find being able to see what Alexa is doing (eg what song is playing, what the weather forecast is for the next few days, my day or week's schedule) to be very helpful. The display is colourful and bright but it can be turned off. The camera feature is helpful to monitor the home and pets and possibly communicate with friends like on Facetime - but you can physically disable this feature for privacy and peace of mind. The AI is moderately intelligent and seems to understand me (and others in my home) clearly. It can be funny to watch Alexa when the TV is on and someone asks Alexa something (my device tries to respond!).
NOTE that to use this product, you will need to purchase a stand. There are several options out there - some on swivel, some fixed. It does not come with the device. You might also want to purchase a few plugs that connect with Alexa to control your lights.
