Hardware

Published on July 20th, 2024 | by James Wright

Alexa Echo Show 5 Review (2024)

Alexa Echo Show 5 Review (2024) James Wright
Score

Summary: The Alexa Echo Show 5 is an excellent upgrade over the previous model

4.6

Alexa upgraded!


The latest generation of the popular Alexa Echo Show devices have arrived in Australia and today, we’re checking out the all-new Alexa Echo Show 5 that is available in either cloud blue or charcoal. At its core, the Alexa Echo Show 5 is a compact Alexa smart assistant that boasts a 5.5” touch display (960 x 480) in order to display images, video and other Alexa skills. The Echo Show 5 also retails for $169AUD (July 2024) that makes it an affordable smart assistant with a display.

ALEX ECHO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

  • ALEXA CAN SHOW YOU MORE – Echo Show 5 includes a 5.5” display so you can see news and weather at a glance, make video calls, view compatible cameras, stream music and shows, and more.
  • SMALL SIZE, BIGGER SOUND – Stream your favourite music, shows, podcasts and more from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Prime Video and more – now with deeper bass and clearer vocals. Includes a 5.5” display so you can view shows, song titles and more at a glance.
  • KEEP YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE – Control compatible smart home devices like lights and thermostats, even while you’re away.
  • SEE MORE WITH THE BUILT-IN CAMERA – Check in on your family, pets and more using the built-in camera. Drop in on your home when you’re out or view the front door from your Echo Show 5 with compatible video doorbells.
  • PUT YOUR PHOTOS ON DISPLAY – When not in use, set the background to a rotating slideshow of your favourite photos using Amazon Photos.
  • STAY CONNECTED WITH VIDEO CALLING – Use the 2 MP camera to call friends and family who have the Alexa app or an Echo device with a screen. Make announcements to other compatible devices in your home.
  • DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY – Built with multiple layers of privacy controls including a mic/camera off button and a built-in camera shutter.

As a quick summary, Alexa is a smart assistant that allows you to asks “her” a myriad of questions, control smart devices, call friends/family and access one of its many different skills such as games, hearing the latest and lifestyle prompts – and as “manners maketh man” (William Horman), then skills maketh Alexa! Alexa rocks!

As most Alexa devices don’t have a display, the Alexa Echo Show 5 adds more interactivity to the user such as videos, photos, games and the ability to check out security cameras and do video calls with friends and family. Also supported by the Alexa Echo Show 5 is the speaker (1.75” driver) that is clear and has a good volume for such a compact device. Given that, don’t expect Bose or Sony sound quality, however for the size and cost of the device, it is more than adequate.

Well packed by Amazon, the new Alexa Echo Show 5 is a very compact smart assistant that measures at 147 mm x 82 mm x 91 mm which is which is also quite lightweight at 456grams. Like previous models, the front of the device has a plastic border with the back covered by fabric. Although you can control Alexa totally hands free, the Echo Show 5 has volume controls, a mic mute button plus a privacy slider to disable the camera – including the touch screen.

To power the device, you simply connect the included power cord, then complete the wizard app on your smartphone in order to connect it to your home Wi-Fi which will have you up and running in no time. You can also set up different users on the device that creates a more personal experience as Alexa will say your name. To talk with her, you just says “Alexa” and then ask a question or command that you want her to do. This model is also powered by the MediaTek which is a 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 MPCore Processor that provides responsive voice recognition.

Alexa, what’s the weather in Brisbane?

Alexa, who is the prime minister of the United Kingdom?

Alexa, what’s the news today?

Alexa, TV on

Alexa, play Taylor Swift

Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes

Alexa, create a shopping list

Apart from being a clever smart assistant, the Alexa Echo Show 5 can also be used as a “digital” photo frame which gives you the options of using your own photos via Amazon Photos or letting Amazon display some of your favourite genres. The other use for the screen besides video calls or watching live streaming from your security cameras is the ability to watch videos and access streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix or YouTube. This also includes accessing music streaming as well such as Amazon Music or Deezer. With that said, the audio produced by the Echo Show 5 is quite clear for a device of this size that makes it perfect for a home office or bedroom.

Final Thoughts?

The Amazon Echo Show 5 is a very affordably priced smart assistant with a video screen. Not only does it boast all the features of Alexa and her amazing skills but the touch display adds to the controls, including the ability of movies, games and video calls. Compared to its competitors, it’s also the best value for money due to its features, screen and camera. Definitely a great upgrade from the previous model!

Recommended!


About the Author

james@impulsegamer.com'



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