So, will the Echo Show (2018) prove an instant success, or should you be hunting down its cheaper predecessor instead? We compare the two.
Price and availability
Design and build
The original Echo Show wasn’t exactly a device we’d describe as having a pleasing aesthetic. The 7in display sat atop twin front-facing 2in speakers, all of which were encased in a grey plastic shell. It was perfunctory, but far from desirable. 2018 brings a new approach, with a fabric covering for the case which looks very similar to those found on the Google Home and Apple HomePod speakers. Gone is the stacked construction, with the front panel now entirely taken up by the larger 10in display, while the dual 2in speakers have been moved into the main body to produce sound from the sides while a bass radiator handles the lower frequencies. Dimensions: Both devices have 5Mp cameras for the video calling feature, and while the Alexa voice interface is the main intended way to interact with the Show there are still volume and mute buttons along the top edges of either version.
Features and Specs
One of the main complaints about the first-generation Echo Show was the low-resolution display. For a device whose main selling point was the inclusion of visuals, the 1024×600 offering seemed half-baked. The speakers have also seen a boost, with the bass in the new model easily eclipsing the weedier efforts of 2017. Not much in terms of core hardware has really changed, as an Intel Atom X5-Z8350 processor is still found at the heart of the Show, AD2P Bluetooth connectivity is standard, but the 2018 edition does appear to have upgraded the WiFi support to include MIMO across 802.11a/b/g/n/c. In practice it works well, and means you can issue voice commands rather than have to touch the screen if your fingers are covered in dough or other cooking related materials. Here’s a breakdown of the main specifications for both devices;
Software
You can have the Show update you on the day’s news, display recipes on the screen, or make free video calls to other Echo Show users. There’s also a potentially useful feature, especially if your kitchen window doesn’t have a view to the front of your home, as the Echo Show can display the feed from a video doorbell. It can also control the lighting in your home of you use Phillips Hue bulbs.
What about the new Show Mode Dock for Fire Tablets?
But, if you already have one of these tablets then you can add the Dock for £39.99 for the Fire HD8 (2017 / 18 models) and £49.99 for the Fire HD 10 (2017) when they go on sale in the UK. That could be a good, money-saving alternative for some people. If you’re in the US, they’re already on sale. Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.
