That includes better audio, faster performance, and added support for Matter, Thread and Zigbee.
The only big thing that holds it back is its uptick in price.
That is, its well suited for quick access to things but doesn’t meet all my needs.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Upgrading to the Show 8 was a revelation.
There are things that I do feel Amazon could have done better.
The display still has those thick bezels that now look outdated.
The 13MP camera it inherited from its predecessor is just sufficient.
If youre serious about smartening your home, this is one of thebest smart home devicesto invest in.
And, withBlack Friday dealsstarting to trickle in, theres no doubt its going to get a discount soon.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Bear in mind that it is pretty pricey if you compare it to the Echo Show 5.
This is true for all of Amazons devices.
Youll also be asked to set up your Visual IDs.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The whole setup shouldnt take more than 20 minutes in a single-person household.
This looks a lot like its predecessor, but it does have a few small-ish changes.
Thats not necessarily a bad or good change, looks-wise; it just depends on your personal preference.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Its ever so slightly lighter at 1.034g instead of 1.037g.
And, finally, the display now has edge-to-edge glass, which does make it sleeker looking up-front.
If you were hoping to get a camera and a display upgrade, however, you’ll be disappointed.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Its also made from 29% recycled materials.
Its not as green asApples slew of devices, but at least its getting there.
And next to it are the mic/camera on/off button and the volume buttons.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The touchscreen display is just as responsive.
Sometimes, it doesnt even respond to my taps.
But that isnt the case here.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Every tap is registered and responded to quickly.
I just wish it wasn’t so reflective, but the brightness helps offset that.
New features like the Visual ID and Adaptive Content are fairly fast as well.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
And theres no way to change that in the tweaks.
The one thing I wished Amazon had upgraded, though, is the camera.
Again, its not too bad, in fact, it’s very intuitive.
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Im impressed by how appropriate its framing is based on your proximity and position.
However, its still a tad slow to operate.
The sound is impressive.
Should you buy the Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd gen)?
This one is better as your main display in your home or in your home office.
Its also better to use in the kitchen with that big screen.
This is worth it.
Read we test
First reviewed November 2023
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
