The model new Echo Present 8 was simply formally launched by Amazon, and I have been in a position to take a look at it for the previous few days. Coming from a first-generation Echo Present 8 makes the upgrades to the third-generation mannequin all of the extra evident.
Additionally: If Amazon needs me to purchase the Echo Present 15, it wants so as to add this function
Apart from that includes a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a center-set digicam, and a smaller speaker enclosure, the 2023 Echo Present 8 options spatial audio, a sooner processor than earlier generations, and an upgraded sensible residence expertise.
ZDNET RECOMMENDS
Echo Present 8 (2023)
The third-generation Echo Present 8 is accessible for $105 and includes a vibrant, upgraded display screen, improved velocity, and a sooner processor.
Amazon’s updates are evident from the second you unbox the system. The standard plastic packaging shines for its absence, because the system is wrapped largely in recyclable supplies. Amazon says 99% of the system’s packaging is made from wood-fiber supplies from “responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.”
As soon as unboxed, the Echo Present 8 stands out from earlier generations for its totally different design, significantly the speaker on the again. Older generations had a tapered speaker again that doubled as a stand to carry the sensible show as much as make it self-standing. The most recent Echo Present 8’s speaker additionally props up the show, but it surely has a brand new design that’s, in my humble opinion, a alternative.
The speaker on the bottom, let’s admit it, seems a bit like a butt protruding of the sensible show, particularly when seen from an angle and only a sliver of it’s seen. This is not a unfavourable factor, simply the unlucky notion the system gave me.
Suboptimal bottom design selections are simply one of many many new options packed into the most recent era Echo Present 8, nevertheless. Amazon lastly opted to position the system’s digicam in the midst of the show as an alternative of on the appropriate, because it’s executed with every Echo Present.
Additionally: Amazon’s Echo Present 5 made me a wise show believer (and my daughter, too)
The upgraded 13MP digicam is supposed for use for video calls, making the middle placement all of the extra helpful to forestall individuals from wanting like they’re wanting off to 1 facet when on a video name.
The digicam placement that goes from the appropriate to the middle may additionally higher assist Visible ID, which makes it attainable for the Echo Present 8 to detect when an individual approaches the system.
Visible ID personalization is accessible within the Echo Present 10, Echo Present 15, and Echo Present 8 second era and newer. This function makes it simpler for every particular person in a family to have a customized expertise with the sensible show.
Additionally: This new pill is redefining what a youngsters pill can do
Every family member that wishes to make use of Visible ID has to enroll individually on every system, as Amazon explains this visible knowledge is saved regionally on the system. When one of many enrolled members approaches the Echo Present 8, it’ll show customized content material, like sticky notes another person left for that particular person, calendars, and their favourite information.
The Echo Present 8 (2023) switches from Standby Mode to a extra interactive display screen when a registered consumer is detected.
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
However Visible ID differs from Adaptive Content material, an all-new function that Amazon is debuting with this third-generation system. Adaptive Content material will make it simpler for shoppers to view content material on the display screen from a distance by simplifying it when nobody is close to the system and switching to an in depth view when the particular person approaches the Echo Present.
Additionally: 5 issues I realized whereas constructing my sensible residence
If the consumer can be enrolled in Visible ID, then the displayed content material will probably be customized to that consumer. Adaptive Content material can be coming to the second-generation Echo Present 8 and different Echo Present gadgets as quickly as early 2024.
The most recent Echo Present 8 can be a wise speaker, full with spatial audio. The system packs a pair of two-inch neodymium audio system for a vibrant directional really feel and a surprisingly wealthy sound expertise regardless of the dimensions of the speaker, particularly in comparison with the first-generation mannequin and 2023 Echo Present 5.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The latest Echo Present 8 makes a compelling case for a wise show for each Alexa followers and sensible residence fans, however the $150 MSRP, larger than earlier generations, may very well be a deterrent (although that is simply remediated by the lingering Cyber Monday deal). The second-generation Echo Present 8 retails for $130 although it is usually discounted, like proper now, at solely $70.
Additionally: All the pieces you have to begin constructing a wise residence
This newest sensible show, nevertheless, is notably sooner than earlier fashions each within the display screen’s contact response and the way shortly Alexa responds to and processes requests.
For sensible residence customers, the Echo Present 8 can course of frequent sensible residence requests regionally for 40% sooner responses while you ask Alexa to activate a wise mild or sensible plug. The brand new Echo Present 8 can be not only a sensible show with Alexa built-in, however a wise residence hub just like the Echo and higher-end Echo Present 10.
With assist for Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, the Echo Present 8 is usually a central nexus to arrange and management suitable sensible gadgets and a wise assistant.
