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Amazon has expanded its smart home lineup with the launch of the Echo Show 11 and an upgraded Echo Show 8. The new devices are designed for users who prefer a larger screen, improved sound quality, and greater control over their connected home.
Amazon Echo Show 11 features a 10.95-inch full HD (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) touchscreen display. The smart home device measures 72 x 100 x 50mm. It weighs 1,302g and has a premium 3D knit fabric finish.
Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are supported by the proprietary AZ3 and AZ3 Pro chipsets. These smart devices run on the new operating system, dubbed Vega.
Both devices feature a 13-megapixel camera with auto-framing and noise reduction. It is useful for video calling and home monitoring. You can make clear video calls through the Drop In feature and view live feeds from compatible security cameras and video doorbells on a single screen. This is applicable for parents who constantly check in on their kids after school or if they want to monitor who is at the door, all without picking up the phone.
Amazon revealed that devices integrate a new Omnisense sensor platform. It comprises a 13-megapixel camera, audio input, ultrasound, motion and temperature detection, and Wi-Fi signals.
You can stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks right from popular platforms. With the bigger screen, watching TV shows, movies, workout classes, or cooking lessons is made simpler.
Videos can be played via Alexa voice commands. Both devices feature a new audio setup with front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer. It means we do not have to engage with the screen all the time.
You can control compatible smart home devices, manage daily tasks like calendars and shopping lists, play music, and ask for recipes or reminders through touch screen or simple voice commands. Advanced sensors allow Alexa to respond according to the surroundings, such as turning on lights when someone enters a room.
The tech giant revealed that the new Echo Show lineup provides glanceable information and personalized content, such as follow-ups of recent conversations, information about users' interests, and personalized notifications.
These devices are equipped with physical buttons to turn off the microphone and camera, as well as options to delete voice recordings in the Alexa app. It improves privacy in a smart home setup. This is useful at night or during work-from-home hours when privacy matters most.
Both models are available on e-commerce platforms Amazon India and Flipkart. These devices are also available in offline stores such as Reliance Digital and Croma.
Amazon has also confirmed that these new Echo Show devices are built to support Alexa+, its upcoming generative AI-powered assistant. The Alexa+ service is yet to be introduced in India.
The tech giant recently made Alexa available through a new web version. We have already seen Gemini and ChatGPT work through web browsers, and Amazon taking this route feels quite logical.
In an era where connectivity is paramount, these smart home devices offer a comprehensive solution for those looking to centralize their smart home capabilities.
