This is my first Echo device. Had already set up several skills on the Alexa app before the Echo Show 8 arrived, so I was ready for it; and had my expectations already set as to the quality of the response to the voice commands. If you are considering entering the Echo 'echo-system' and are on the fence about getting one of these, try downloading the Alexa app to your phone or tablet and try it out. On the phone app (iPhone and iPad in my case), a button push activates Alexa; with the Show 8, just say her name and she starts listening.
Some of the Alexa skills still need some work, and your satisfaction with them may vary. But for the Show 8, it's great! The speakers sound better than I expected (actually are pretty awesome compared to the Show's size) and will fill the room with sound. The Show 8 has an external speaker jack on the back, but I don't see ever using it - the internal speakers are THAT good - can feel the bass from the speakers vibrating the kitchen countertop. With the speakers in the rear, having it backed up close to a wall provides the best sound projection and quality. A similar concept to some higher end Bose speakers, which have rear-firing elements that are designed to reflect the sound off of a wall and provide more ambience.
When music is played, the lyrics scroll on the screen, so you can sing along (if your housemates and dog can stand it). Even when playing at a higher volume level, I can still get Alexa's attention but it may take more than one attempt. The microphones are quite sensitive and will pick me up from another room as long as there is not much background noise. The Show 8 also has Bluetooth, so you can pair it with a phone, laptop or other device and play music through the Show 8's speakers. I do this frequently since the Show 8's speakers sound much better than the internal phone or laptop speakers. I did notice a bit of a delay in watching a video on the laptop, and then the audio coming out of the Show 8. It just may be an artifact of using Bluetooth to send the audio.
Rather than the recommended stand (or no stand), I purchased the "Echo Show 8 Adjustable Aluminum Swivel Stand" also sold on Amazon (you can see my review of the stand on that page). A stand is recommended to allow you to position the Show 8 at an optimum viewing angle.
I also purchased several of the Meross Wifi smart plugs (also sold on Amazon). Have them programmed to link with Alexa so I can give one command (such as "Alexa, turn on Christmas Lights") and ALL the plugs in the Christmas group turn on at the same time. Pretty cool! Once Christmas is over, the plugs will be assigned other duties.
The Show 8 can browse the web. There is a Firefox skill that will allow you to open a web browser. And if you don't like tapping letters on the screen, you can pair a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (see photo). If you have an HP printer, it can be linked to the Show 8 to print grocery lists or stuff you find on the internet.
Not a deal-killer for me, but can't seem to be able to disable the "Try Alexa <blah blah blah>" on the bottom of the home screen. You CAN disable the skills cycling with other topics in the center of the screen as another reviewer noted. I have the Show 8 in my kitchen; so the display is not "in my face" and I am not looking at it all the time, so it is not THAT big of a deal.
Have to admit I was skeptical and wasn't sure if I would find it useful....but I'm liking this device more every day. Now an Echo Dot has found its place in our household as well. Along with some Echo Buttons....
Like the Echo Show 8 so much that I ordered another one to give to my daughter and son-in-law!
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