Screen and design The two Echo Shows have the same design proposal. The body has a fabric finish and a rubberized area on the bottom, which is supported on the surface. There is the option to buy a base for the model, which fits into this structure and leaves the screen upright – which should be quite interesting in video calls. In addition, the back of the boxes brings an auxiliary input, in case the user wants to increase the sound power with another speaker via cable, and a microUSB port, which also serves as a power source – in addition to the power cable itself. At the top, there are the volume controls and a button to switch off the microphone, preventing Alexa from being triggered by voice – which can happen unintentionally from time to time. There is also a kind of lock that closes the camera manually. The other commands are given either by voice, with the assistant, or on the display itself, which is sensitive to touch. The interaction with the screen is somewhat limited, but it is sometimes necessary. To access services like YouTube, for example, the user has no other option. In terms of quality, the display leaves nothing to be desired. Although it does not bring a high resolution, its viewing angle is sufficient, and it is possible to watch the content displayed from almost any position. For watching any video in the kitchen, for example, Echo Shows are good options, but they do not replace a TV for the bedroom, for example. Microphone During the tests, it was possible to notice some important differences in relation to the audio capture. Echo Show 5, for example, has difficulties in recognizing what is being said – especially when playing music at higher volumes. In some cases, even in a quiet environment the model cannot recognize the commands, yielding a few screams of “Alexa!” In addition, the interaction ends up in an action completely different from the desired, which is frustrating. Echo Show 8 was better in this regard, understanding the controls even at greater distances. In general, in order to have a better experience – and not have to be shouting for Alexa to listen -, it is worth the tip of not installing the box next to a TV. Sound Reproduction is another point where the difference is very clear. Echo Show 8 has powerful bass, making it much more interesting to listen to music, for example. But, in any case, it is worth mentioning that none of them will stand out in this regard, especially in relation to speakers from brands such as JBL, Sony, LG, among others. The focus, once again, is the integration with the Alexa assistant and its services in general. It is worth mentioning that this is only possible with compatible smart lamps, such as Philips Hue or Positivo Casa Inteligente, for example. It is also possible to interact with other products connected with the box, such as air conditioning, smart socket, among others. Remembering what you need to buy is also easier, as you just have to ask the assistant to add the items and open the app on the market with the updated list. Likewise, it is possible to program alarms with different sounds through the app, or ask Alexa every night to wake up at the desired time. Ordering food through iFood or ordering trips via Uber are also possible tasks in the box.
