Amazon Launches Redesigned Echo Show 8 and 11 with Alexa+ Features

Amazon has officially unveiled its new smart displays, the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11, during a hardware event in New York. These redesigned devices feature the enhanced Alexa+, which incorporates generative artificial intelligence and a custom AZ3 Pro silicon chip with an AI accelerator. A standout feature of these new models is the upgraded 13MP camera, touted as the best camera ever included in an Echo Show.

The new designs of the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 are a significant departure from previous models. Both devices come equipped with the AZ3 Pro silicon, which facilitates advanced sensor capabilities and improved microphones designed for better noise cancellation. A notable feature is the Wi-Fi radar, which allows for context-aware interactions with Alexa+. This technology recognizes when a user approaches the display, prompting the AI to greet them and present relevant information.

In terms of visuals, the Echo Show devices boast a fresh design that includes a speaker module at the base and a floating screen on top. The combination of in-cell and negative liquid crystal displays enhances the viewing experience by maximizing angles, allowing users to see the screen clearly from various positions in a room.

Both the Echo Show 8 and Show 11 are equipped with the impressive 13MP camera. Alongside hardware advancements, Amazon has introduced software enhancements, including a new media control center that streamlines access to music, ambient sounds, podcasts, and audiobooks. Each device also functions as a built-in smart home hub, supporting Zigbee, Matter, and Thread protocols to manage compatible smart home devices effectively.

Family scheduling has been improved with color-coded calendars, while Alexa+ assists in managing scheduling conflicts and organizing to-do lists by assigning tasks among family members. A new shopping widget simplifies Amazon shopping and Fresh grocery activities, allowing users to view detailed product information directly on their Echo Show home screens. Additionally, Alexa+ can help users select gifts from Amazon’s extensive catalog.

In the realm of health and wellness, integration with Oura allows Alexa to provide tailored recommendations for quick workouts. Amazon plans to expand health metric support with future integrations from Withings and Wyze. The Alexa+ assistant is now more conversational, retaining context from previous interactions for more personalized responses.

Both devices feature a new audio architecture, incorporating front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer designed to deliver immersive spatial audio.

The Echo Show 8 is priced at $179.99, while the Echo Show 11 retails for $219.99. Pre-orders for the new devices begin immediately, with shipping commencing on November 12, 2023. Customers with an Amazon Prime subscription will receive early access to Alexa+, while non-Prime members can access the service for $20 per month.

As Amazon continues to innovate in the smart device market, the Echo Show 8 and Show 11 represent a significant step forward in functionality and design, catering to the evolving needs of users in the digital age.