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Amazon’s 2nd-gen Echo Show offers better cameras, CPUs, and speakers - Ars Technica

Amazon launched hardware upgrades for its Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 products on Wednesday; the new versions have higher-resolution cameras and upgraded CPUs. There's also a new Echo Show 5 Kids, but the Echo Show 10 did not get a hardware refresh.

If you aren't familiar with the product line, the Echo Show is essentially an Amazon Echo smart speaker with a screen on it. The devices can be used as digital clocks, videoconferencing solutions, screens for Amazon Ring doorbells, and more—each Show device is basically an Alexa-controlled Fire HD tablet, with all the capabilities that implies.

Amazon points out the privacy controls on these devices, taking what certainly looks like a swipe at Google's competing Nest and Home devices:

Designed to protect your family's privacy—Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter.

All three of the new Echo Show devices are available for preorder now, with delivery beginning on June 9.

Echo Show 8 (second generation)

The automatic pan-and-zoom on the new Echo Show 8 looks impressive in this Amazon-provided demo video.

The upgraded Echo Show 8 features an 8-inch HD display, 13-megapixel camera, new 8-core CPU, and stereo speakers. The upgraded camera automatically pans and zooms to keep the user centered and in focus during video calls.

Amazon also promises that Echo Show 8 users will soon be able to tap on the screen during calls to produce Snapchat-style reactions—floating hearts, laughs, confetti, and so forth.

The Echo Show 8 can sit on a flat surface directly, or the device can be purchased with a $25 adjustable stand—which is best purchased separately, since the bundle isn't offering the same $26 discount Amazon is currently applying to the normally $130 Echo Show 8.

The Echo Show 8 is available in a "charcoal" or "glacier white" chassis.

Echo Show 5 (second generation)

Want to fall asleep listening to podcasts? This Echo Show 5 is ready to sit on a nightstand and make that happen.
Enlarge / Want to fall asleep listening to podcasts? This Echo Show 5 is ready to sit on a nightstand and make that happen.
Amazon

The Echo Show 5 offers a 5.5-inch HD display at a lower price than the Echo Show 8—but with significantly decreased camera quality. Although the Echo Show 5's new 2MP camera is a pale substitute for the Echo Show 8's 13MP, it's still a significant improvement over the 1MP camera in the first-generation Echo Show 5.

The display on the Echo Show 5 is also a noticeable downgrade—960x480 versus the Echo Show 8's 1280x800. Amazon appears to be pitching the cheaper, smaller device as a replacement for a bedside alarm clock, with most of the product images showing the device in that role. The company also advertises a "Sunrise Routine," which—paired with the appropriate smart home devices—turns lights on gradually, plays the news, and tells you about the weather.

The Echo Show 5 is available for $85 (currently on sale for $68) in "charcoal," "glacier white," and a new "deep sea blue" color. Similar to the Echo Show 8, it has an optional adjustable stand—available in the same three colors—for $19.

Echo Show 5 Kids

Sure, your kids don't <em>need</em> a touchscreen display to listen to music—but it's nice not to be limited to voice commands only.
Enlarge / Sure, your kids don't need a touchscreen display to listen to music—but it's nice not to be limited to voice commands only.
Amazon

The Echo Show 5 is also getting a Kids version, much like the Kids version of the Fire HD tablet. Also like the Fire HD Kids tablet, the Echo Show 5 Kids seems to just be an Echo Show 5 with a brightly colored chassis, included one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, and a two-year frustration-free replacement guarantee.

Amazon Kids+—formerly known as FreeTime Unlimited—is a subscription service that offers a staggering selection of downloadable games, shows, and music, as well as parental control features targeted at three basic age groups. The content tends to be more attractive to younger children; it's typically rather shallow but features well-known and beloved branded characters.

After the included one-year Kids+ subscription expires, renewal is $3/mo for Amazon Prime members and $5/mo for everyone else. Family plans are also available on monthly or annual (prepaid) terms.

Kids+ Subscription Prime non-Prime
Individual $3/mo $5/mo
Family (up to 4 kids) $7/mo $10/mo
Family (up to 4 kids) $70/yr $100/yr

Echo Show 5 Kids is available in one color scheme—"chameleon"—for $95, or $10 more than the regular Echo Show 5.

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