Amazon has refreshed two of its smart displays. The 2021 edition of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 bring upgraded cameras and new features. It has also announced a kids version of the smaller model.
Echo Show 8
The Echo Show 8 comes with a new octa-core processor which Amazon has deliberately not named. The new chipset should provide the additional power needed for some of the new features such as panning and zooming with the new 13MP camera while making a video call. Amazon has made the field of view of the camera wider (110°) for the pan and zoom feature since the Echo Show 8’s display can’t rotate like that of the Echo Show 10.
There is also a human detection feature that turns on configured routines when someone walks into the room. Amazon says that this feature is not activated out of the box. Another feature that has been included according to The Verge is new AR effects for Amazon’s video chat service. Users will be able to set custom virtual backgrounds and animated reactions will now cover the screen.
Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 5 Kids Edition
The new Echo Show 5 now has a 2MP camera but doesn’t have the pan and zoom feature of the Echo Show 8 but gets the motion feature that activates routines such as turning on the lights when you enter a room. Amazon now offers the smart display in a new blue variant alongside white and charcoal. It has also permanently dropped the price to $84.99.
The Echo Show 5 Kids Edition has the same specs but gets a multi-color fabric on the rear. It also comes with 1 year of Amazon Kids Plus services and a 2-year warranty that covers all damages. This special edition costs $94.99. All three devices have camera shutters and buttons to turn the microphone/camera off.
There is no news yet as to when they will be available for purchase as they are all still listed as out of stock on the online store.
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