Amazon's New Echo Show 8: Visual Changes and Smart Speaker Improvements
In addition to the new Echo Show 8, the company announced three devices for children; see what's new with each device
A Amazon reveals the “Echo Show 8” updated in an event that took place today, Wednesday (20). This smart speaker, which represents an intermediate model of the brand, received a significant upgrade, including a new renewed look.
The Echo Show 8, introduced in 2023, offers spatial audio and a new version of Alexa, enabled with generative AI – the same technology that powers ChatGPT conversation, for example.
“First up, we have the new Echo Show 8 – one of our most atmospheric devices yet. Featuring a sleek new design and updated hardware, your video calls just got a huge upgrade. Even better, we’ve added a built-in smart home hub, so you can easily control all your devices.”
Amazon also announced three new devices in its Kids line. They are child-sized versions of the new Echo Show 8.
“New and improved tablets for kids young and old? Yes. Say hello to the new Fire HD 10 Kids and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro. They come with top-notch parental controls and a worry-free 2-year warranty — you’ve found your match, random juice spills and accidents aside.”
The 8 Amazon Echo Show 2023 is now available for pre-order in the international market, with a suggested price of US$ 149,99 (about R$ 730 in a direct conversion, excluding taxes). In addition, the Echo Pop Kids and the tablets of the Fire HD 10 Kids line are also up for pre-order, with prices of US$ 49,99 (R$ 245) and US$ 189,99 (R$ 920), respectively.
'New Echo Show 8'
Amazon has described the Echo Show 8’s latest redesign as having a “more industrial” aesthetic. Additionally, the device now features a more powerful sound system, accompanied by a front-facing camera centered on the top edge. The company claims that these changes result in improved audio and video capture during video calls, with the device adjusting to its surroundings to optimize sound quality.
As for the device's interface, the new feature is the use of the proximity sensor to adjust it according to the user's distance. When the user is far away, the elements on the screen increase in size, and vice versa.
As for the new Alexa, Amazon announced that generative AI has made the assistant 40% more agile, providing more natural interactions. This is because on the Echo Show 8, which has facial recognition, it is no longer necessary to activate the assistant with a phrase every time the user wants to use it.
For kids
In the Kids line, the entry-level model is the Echo Pop, with two themed versions: Avengers and Disney princesses.
“Amazon also unveiled the Fire HD 10 Kids and Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablets, which offer a more comprehensive set of features. According to the manufacturer, both feature 25% more performance than the previous generation. In terms of specifications, they include up to 13 hours of battery life, 3 GB of RAM and 10,1-inch displays with Full HD resolution.
Amazon’s new devices for kids come with Explore With Alexa functionality, a version of the virtual assistant with additional layers of security and features designed to encourage creativity, such as trivia games and a music creation tool, for example.”
