Amazon’s latest smart speaker features faster speeds, an ambient-powered display, and a notable 30% off discount even after Cyber Monday.
The brand new Echo Show 8 was just officially released by Amazon, and I’ve been able to test it for the past few days. Coming from a first-generation Echo Show 8 makes the upgrades to the third-generation model all the more evident.
Aside from featuring a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a center-set camera, and a smaller speaker enclosure, the 2023 Echo Show 8 features spatial audio, a faster processor than previous generations, and an upgraded smart home experience.
ZDNET RECOMMENDS Echo Show 8 (2023)
The third-generation Echo Show 8 is available for $105 and features a vibrant, upgraded screen, improved speed, and a faster processor.
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Amazon’s updates are evident from the moment you unbox the device. The typical plastic packaging shines for its absence, as the device is wrapped mostly in recyclable materials. Amazon says 99% of the device’s packaging is made of wood-fiber materials from « responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. »
Once unboxed, the Echo Show 8 stands out from previous generations for its different design, particularly the speaker on the back. Older generations had a tapered speaker back that doubled as a stand to hold the smart display up to make it self-standing. The latest Echo Show 8’s speaker also props up the display, but it has a new design that is, in my humble opinion, a choice.
The speaker on the backside, let’s admit it, looks a bit like a butt sticking out of the smart display, especially when viewed from an angle and just a sliver of it is visible.
