Echo Show 8 and Echo Hub: Amazon powers its new connected home screens with AI

Echo Show 8 flaunts a new design and integrates a connected hub

While Microsoft and Google were making headlines with their AI-based products, Amazon was quietly developing its own technology. THE new Echo Show 8 It leverages the fruits of this work through an Alexa assistant powered by machine learning and broad language models. This new “brain” and improved processor give it higher performance; 40% faster answers to frequently asked questions », for example, turn on a connected light bulb.

Amazon also claims to have improved the game’s fluidity and viewing time.8 inch HD screenone of the weak points of the previous generation. According to the company, video calls will be of better quality thanks to the centered 13 MP camera and “enhanced audio channel”. Adaptive content now available on Echo Show 8 The main screen can be read from any distance by adjusting its content Depends on user proximity. In terms of audio quality, Amazon promises “full and spatial sound with enhanced clarity and bass, custom room adaptation, and audio processing technology.”

Built-in smart home hub lets Echo Show 8 2023 control your connected home. Compatible with: The most commonly used standards and protocols in home automation Like Bluetooth, Matter, Thread and even Zigbee. It clearly benefits from a cosmetic touch-up. The look of the connected display/speaker goes industrial, with an “edge-to-edge glass” display and rounder corners. Echo Show 8 is available for pre-order on Amazon. Available in: White and Anthracite 169.99 € and will be shipped from: 25 October 2023.

Echo Hub wants to be the control screen for your connected home

Echo Hub is designed to be wall-mounted and be The flagship of your connected things. It is also compatible with Alexa, allowing users to control their home automation in a simple and intuitive way. THE customizable control panel It lets you group and manage connected home devices like Ring cameras, Hue bulbs, and even Nest thermostats.

8-inch control screen according to Amazon Compatible with at least 140,000 cameras, lights, locks and sockets, thermostats, speakers and other connected home devices are available worldwide. Its 8-inch touch screen allows you to view multiple camera feeds simultaneously. It connects via WiFi but also via an Ethernet cable.

It’s unclear exactly when the Echo Hub will be available, but It will retail for €199.99. Since it is designed to be placed on the wall, decorative frames It will be sold separately in white, light wood and metallic colors.

Echo Frames: Audio glasses that want to take Alexa beyond walls

Amazon also offers Echo Frames reviewed and fixed. THE audio glasses 100 percent of the company now benefits from a refined design and integrates the functions of the Alexa voice assistant. They have 6 hours of battery life, and “advanced speech processing technology improves Alexa performance with up to ten times better recognition in noisy or windy conditions than the previous generation. Customers can now call a loved one on the go, listen to their favorite playlist or podcast, or listen to a smart home device.” “They will be able to do more hands-free, such as controlling their devices.” In addition to existing Eco Frames 5 new stylesAmazon is launching Carrera Smart Glasses in select markets, offering the same functionality but designed in collaboration with eyewear maker Carrera. There was no mention of possible availability in Europe, but Echo Frames will be sold in the United States starting at $269.99.