The refreshed Echo Show 8 steals some of the new Echo Show 10’s key features, including a sharp 13-megapixel camera for video chatting and digital pan-and-zoom for always keeping you in frame. Without sales, the Echo Show 8 is still more affordable than the $249 Echo Show 10 and wall-mountable Echo Show 15, but a bit pricier than the $99 Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) that debuted earlier this year. Not only is Google’s newest smart display one of the best smart speakers, it offers neat sleep sensing capabilities, too. While the overall look of the 7.9 x 5.4 x 3.9 inch smart display is mostly the same, donning a minimalistic fabric-swathed exterior, the camera arrangement is visibly different. Replacing the first Echo Show 8’s subtle 1 megapixel camera, the new model has a 13-MP camera housed in a larger, square component. This component features a prominent physical shutter, which is not only satisfying to use but adds a layer of privacy, too. Although I’ve recently come to terms with using an indoor security camera in my home, I appreciate being able to close the shutter at times. There’s also a separate toggle for the microphone, so I can still communicate with Alexa when the camera is disabled. The new Echo Show 8 also adopted the digital pan-and-zoom abilities of the Show 10. While the display can’t physically rotate to keep you in frame, the new wide-angle lens can center you like the Google Nest Hub Max and the Facebook Portal can. The iPad Pro 2021 (12.9-inch)’s Center Stage uses a similar tracking technology for video calls. When I tested out the feature using Drop In and video calls, I found the Echo Show 8 mostly succeeded in following my movements. It’s not perfect — sometimes it kept me on the cusp on the feed or got tripped up with exaggerated arm movements — but it works. I actually like how it doesn’t follow me around the room like the Echo Show 10, too. We thought the original Show 8 sounded great for its size, so we expected similar performance from the new version. The dual 2-inch speakers produce powerful sound, but the fullness depends on which way it’s facing. Your music will sound better if the display is faced away from you, which seems counterintuitive for using the Echo Show’s “show” abilities. Part of the Echo Show 10’s speaker grille faces you at all times, making it better for listening, especially to podcasts. I think the Echo Show 8 provided ample sound for my kitchen, with Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” thumping over the sound of dishwashing. Again, the crooner’s voice could’ve been crisper, and when I switched to an episode of The Daily from the New York Times I had to turn the volume up to hear Michael Barbaro’s as well as I’d like. Luckily, the Echo Show 8 gets pretty loud. That said, there are better-sounding smart speakers out there. The Sonos One is our favorite in terms of audio quality, but it costs $199 and doesn’t have a display, so you can’t use it to follow along with recipes, watch other videos or control smart home devices without using your voice. For an Alexa smart display with strongest audio quality, the Echo Show 10 is your best option. When you’re not using it to video chat or control music, the Echo Show 8 can be used for in-home communications. It can also integrate with the best Alexa compatible devices, providing a visual dashboard for your system of smart home products. You can manage your devices individually or assign them to Alexa routines for advanced home automation. Beyond these conveniences, Alexa might be able to give you peace of mind while you’re out,. Alexa Guard turns your Echo smart speakers into security devices, listening for signs of trouble such as glass breaking or your smoke alarm going off. Your Alexa app will then notify you when it hears anything suspicious, which might be faster when you’re out of the house.
