Amazon Echo Show 10 vs. 8

With the growing popularity of video calls and conferencing, smart displays are becoming more common. One of the top products on the market is the Amazon Echo Show. With the recent release of the Amazon Echo Show 10, many may wonder if getting the previous model is still worthwhile. If you’re wondering where Echo Show 9 went, the naming convention for the Echo Show is based on the size of the screen. There isn’t an Echo Show 9, Echo Show 10 came directly after 8.

In this article, we’ll give a comparative review of the Amazon Echo Show 10 and 8. Weighing the pros and cons of each device will make it easier to decide between the two.

Jeff Bezos, who founded Amazon in 1994, never really intended to create the largest online retail company on the planet. In fact, Amazon – originally envisioned as the largest online bookstore – was his attempt to take advantage of the online business boom at the time.

Bezos set Amazon up in Seattle because it was the headquarters for Microsoft, meaning that there was a lot of available tech talent. The company was initially known as Cadabra Inc., but after being misheard as “cadaver,” it was quickly changed. Amazon was chosen because it sounded exotic, and implied a large scale, being the name of the biggest river in the world. The fact that the name started with A also gave it an advantage in alphabetical listings.

Growth was slow in the beginning, but the company proved to be resilient. It not only survived the dot-com crash of 2001 but also registered its first profits in the last quarter of the same year. Since then, the company has grown to become the largest player in the online retail market and has expanded to other tech ventures.

The Echo line is one of the many branches of Amazon’s now multi-faceted business ventures. Initially pitched simply as a smart speaker, the improvement of Amazon’s AI, Alexa, made turning it into a smart hub a better option. Since its initial development in 2010, the Echo has become one of the best ways to integrate different smart devices together.

The Amazon Echo Show was first released in 2018. Since then, two more generations of the device have followed. The gadget can stream videos, make video calls, and display various information related to the Alexa AI.

The Amazon Echo Show 8, released in November 2019, is a member of the second-generation of the line. The newly released Amazon Echo 10, which came out in February 2021, is a third-generation Echo Show device.

Pros:

• Fully Integrated with Alexa
• Large company backing
• Multiple years of development

Cons:

• Lack of product specialization

The newest product in the Amazon Echo Show line, the Echo Show 10 features big improvements when compared to the previous generation. It’s arguably one of the best smart display systems on the market.

The Amazon Echo Show 10 comes with a higher resolution camera than the last generation. This device was clearly made with video calling in mind. With 13 megapixels in the front pointing lens, it’s sure to convey clear videos to any call recipient. This is complemented by the larger display, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen that enables users to see more detail.

One of the most unique features of the Echo Show 10 is the built-in motor that allows it to move the screen to follow your every move. This makes conversations on video calls feel more natural, as you’re always in frame during the call. It also makes watching videos easier, as the screen will always be facing you. All you need is a tilt of the head to see what’s on display.

The motor also enhances the security functions of the Amazon Echo Show 10. You can remotely access the camera to take a 360-degree look around the room via the mobile app. You can also configure the device to give you a mobile alert whenever it detects noises like shattering glass, a smoke alarm, or a carbon monoxide alarm.

The Echo Show 10 comes with both a MediaTek 8183 processor and a secondary processor featuring the Amazon AZ1 Neural Edge. This gives the Amazon Echo Show 10 faster response times, as the 8183 itself is twice as fast as the previous Echo Show generation’s processors. With full Alexa integration, controlling various compatible devices becomes a breeze.

The Echo Show 10 comes with a 2.1 sound system featuring two tweeters and a subwoofer providing excellent audio output. Paired with online music services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, or Spotify, it can become a great audio entertainment hub. If video streaming is your cup of tea, Prime Video, Hulu, and Netflix are also available via simple Alexa commands.

With its built-in Zigbee Smart Home hub feature, connecting to Zigbee-compatible devices can be done in a snap. Just ask Alexa to detect any Zigbee-enabled devices in the area, and they will automatically connect with the Amazon Echo Show 10. Smart device integration has never been simpler. Even with other gadgets that don’t have Zigbee, setup takes just a few taps of the Alexa mobile app if they’re Alexa compatible.

One of the few downsides to the Amazon Echo Show 10 is its weight. The built-in motor that allows it to move around makes the device quite hefty. At more than five and a half pounds, it’s more than double the weight of the Amazon Echo Show 8.

There’s also the price difference. At almost $250, it’s almost twice as expensive as the previous model. The features do make up for it, but if you’re on a budget, the cost may be a bit off-putting.

All in all, it’s a device that certainly shows what a good smart display can accomplish. Its versatility and ease of use make it an ideal smart hub for your interconnected home gadgets.

Pros:

• Higher megapixel camera
• Faster processor
• Larger screen
• Better audio
• Better video streaming
• Built-in Zigbee smart hub

Cons:

• Relatively expensive
• Much heavier

What’s in the box?

• Amazon Echo Show 10 device
• Power adapter
• Motion footprint template
• User’s guide

SMARTHOME.News Average Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Average Ratings Around the Web: 4 of 5 Stars

See the best offer on Amazon in your location for the Echo Show 10

Released in November 2019, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is from the second-generation of the brand. It’s a great mid-tier smart hub for those who want connectivity within a certain budget.

Before the release of the Amazon Echo Show 10, the Echo Show 8 was considered as one of the top smart displays on the market. Despite being in the previous generation, it’s still a very versatile smart hub.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 integrates fully with Alexa, providing you with an easy way to control other Alexa-compatible devices. If a device can integrate with the Alexa AI, establishing a connection takes only a few minutes to set up using the mobile app.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 gives users a great way of contacting each other either through the Alexa app, Zoom, Skype, or Amazon’s own Chime app. Making a video call is very easy whether the recipient owns an Echo Show or not, as calls to other mobile devices are possible. For those with multiple Echo Show devices, you can turn them into a virtual intercom via the “Drop-in” feature, making remote face-to-face communication a breeze.

With the Smart Echo 8’s eight-inch, 1280 x 800 display, streaming videos via Prime Video, Hulu, or Netflix turns it into a great entertainment hub. Services like Prime Music, Spotify, and Apple Music are sure to provide great background music while you’re going about your day. Although the speakers aren’t as good as the Echo Show 10’s, the device still provides great audio playback when compared to other mid-tier smart displays.

The device’s screen produces crisp images, which can be seen when you use it as a digital picture frame. With Amazon Photos and Facebook connectivity, exhibiting your favorite pictures takes only a few taps on the screen or voice commands via Alexa. You can also add new photos using the front-facing camera.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 also comes with several security features for those concerned about their privacy. Turning the mic or speakers off can be done with the push of a button, and a physical camera shutter can be used to disable the camera.

One of the features missing from the Echo Show 8 in comparison to Echo Show 10 is the built-in Zigbee Smart Home hub. Sure, connecting to other smart devices can be done via the mobile app, but auto-connection via Zigbee is really convenient.

The Echo Show 8’s processor is fast, but its 4-core system can’t hold a candle to the Echo Show 10’s 8-core processor, not to mention the extra second processor of the Show 10. Depending on how you want to use the smart display, this feature may not be as important.

Granted, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is no longer at the cutting edge of the brand, but it still performs its job well. With the price being somewhat lower than that of the Echo Show 10, it’s a great choice for smart homeowners on a budget.

Pros:

• Less Expensive
• Lighter build
• More compact display

Cons:

• Less crisp audio
• Relatively slow processor
• Smaller display
• No built-in Zigbee Smart Home hub

What’s in the box?

• Echo Show 8 device
• Power adapter
• User’s guide

SMARTHOME.News Average Rating: 3.75 of 5 Stars

Average Ratings Around the Web: 3.5 of 5 Stars

See the best offer on Amazon in your location for the Echo Show 8

Below is a comparison of the features on both devices, along with a score on how they perform in each category.

Below are some common questions about the Amazon Echo Show 10 and the Echo Show 8.

1. Do you leave the Echo Show on all the time?
   Ideally, yes. The smart hub waits for you to activate it via the wake-up command so you can use it. The convenience that this offers disappears if you turn the device off. When the Echo Show is in sleep mode, it doesn’t use much electricity anyway, so there’s little reason not to keep it on continuously. 
2. Is there a monthly charge for the Echo Show?
   No. Both the device and their AI, the Alexa app, are free to use. Be careful, though. Sometimes Alexa may suggest Amazon services that need subscription fees like Amazon Music or Amazon Prime. Agreeing to the suggested services will result in you paying a fee via the payment options stored on your Amazon account.
3. Do you need an Amazon account to use Echo Show?
   Technically, yes. The Alexa app that runs the entire Echo Show hub needs you to register an Amazon account. The account itself can be made for free by going to Amazon’s sign-up page.

4. Can I play music on Alexa without Amazon Prime?

   Yes. The Echo Show isn’t dependent on either Amazon Prime or Amazon Music to play audio. If you have a Spotify account or another free video or music streaming account, you can integrate it to the Echo Show via Alexa.

5. What’s the difference between Alexa and Echo?

   The Amazon Echo is the smart hardware that serves as the input device for Alexa. Alexa, on the other hand, is the AI software that allows connectivity between various smart devices. Alexa also powers the voice-control commands that the Echo uses.

6. Can Amazon Echo Show answer my phone?

   Yes. The Alexa app can answer calls made to it either via other Alexa devices or mobile phones. As the Amazon Echo brand uses the Alexa software to operate, the devices can also be programmed to answer calls via voice commands.

7. Can I call others that don’t have an Amazon Echo Show?

   Yes. Via Alexa, Skype, or Zoom, the Echo Show can contact other devices if those gadgets can make and receive calls. An Amazon Echo Show can even connect to mobile phones if it’s not an international call.

8. Can you watch Netflix on an Echo Show?

   Yes. The Amazon Echo Show has the Netflix app already included in the device and only needs an update to run. You can access Netflix either by the touchscreen or by asking Alexa to open Netflix.

9. How secure is my data on Echo Show?

   Any data recorded by the Echo Show during video calls or when operating Alexa is encrypted. This isn’t a full guarantee, however. Amazon may have no history of selling customer information, but that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t. If you’re concerned about privacy, it’s best to make use of the physical security features included with the device.

10. Does Alexa record my conversations?

    Technically, yes. Whenever you wake the device up by saying “Alexa” or make video calls, snippets of data are recorded by the device. You can access this recorded information via the Alexa app. A way to delete them is given in the guide section below.

Below is some useful information for your Amazon Echo Show Device.

Once you’ve unboxed your Amazon Echo Show, the setup is relatively simple. To initiate your Amazon Echo Show, whether it be the Echo Show 10 or the Echo Show 8, do the following: ​​​​​​

1. Find a place to set up your Echo Show and connect the adapter to the device.
   
2. Plug your Echo Show into an electric outlet.
3. The screen will prompt you to select a language. Choose one.
4. Connect the device to your Wi-Fi network by choosing the network name and entering the password.
5. Log in to your Amazon account.
6. Select your proper time zone.
7. Confirm your address.
8. Confirm your device location.
9. Type in your preferred device name.
10. Select a screen wallpaper.
11. The device will show some offered services. You can press skip or sign up for any you want.
12. When the display shows several rotating pages, your device is ready to use.

Alexa will record snippets of data whenever you use the application. This data is easy to find and delete and can be done by doing the following:

1. Via Mobile
   1. Open the Alexa mobile app.
   2. Tap on the More icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   3. Scroll down and tap on Alexa Privacy from the menu.
   4. Tap on Review Voice History.
   5. The next screen will show you a list of recorded data. You can choose to delete them individually or select a date range. You can also choose to delete all recorded data.
2. Using a computer

1. Proceed to your Amazon account’s Manage Your Content and Devices page.
2. On the banner menu, click on Privacy Settings.
3. Click on Alexa Privacy from the drop-down menu, or click on Manage Settings under the Alexa Privacy image.
4. Choose Review Voice History.
5. From the drop-down menu, choose All History.
6. Click on Delete All Recordings for All History.
7. Confirm deletion by clicking on Yes.
8. The data should now be removed.

Amazon Echo Show devices, whether the second-generation Echo Show 8 or the third-generation Echo Show 10, are some of the best smart displays available. They provide users with both a handy way of controlling other smart devices and a great way of communicating with others through video calls. Getting an Amazon Echo Show is certainly a great investment if you want a versatile smart home setup.

Have you had experience with either the Amazon Echo Show 10 or the Echo Show 8? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.