How many times did you wish for Alexa to show you the video for the music you were listening to, for the calls you were making or even for the front door camera?

It seems that Amazon has heard your pleas, and so they created the Echo Show (2nd Gen) – a touchscreen device that does all the above and which makes a big step towards the ultimate smart home hub.

Echo Says: The Show Must Go On!

After gradual improvement, all the way from Echo Dot through Echo to Echo Plus, the release of a smart device able to display video was just a matter of time. Echo Show (2nd Gen) keeps the evolution leaps going in the right direction with a staggering improvement of high-tech features.

First off, Echo Show uses its screen to make every vocal command you shout more rewarding. Through the Alexa app, you can ask for video clips and images of weather updates, movie trailers, and even your kids’ room. You can still ask it to make calls, remember your shopping list and turn on and off the lights, but now you also get a visual image of all of your desires meeting completion.

Measuring 9.7” x 6.9” x 4.2” (246 mm x 174 mm x 107 mm) and weighing just 62.2 oz. (1765 grams) the Echo Show is easy to place anywhere around the house. It boasts a 10.1” touchscreen and dual 2” stereo speakers (+passive bass radiator) that give out crystal-clear images and perfect sound. The 5MP camera is just enough to capture limpid video during Facetime calls, and the 8 microphones catch your vocal commands even when you are merely whispering them.

Special Features

One of the best features of Echo Show (Gen 2) is its versatile compatibility. As long as it is plugged in and connected to the internet, you can use its Alexa built-in app to control Amazon Video and Fire TV, WeMo, Philips Hue, Sony, and even the thermostat. This special feature will leave your hands free for other tasks, while you order things around the house without even leaving the couch.

Things You Need To Consider

While providing a clear image and sound of your internet searches or the people you call, Echo Show used to have an issue with its updates. It used to be that one previous UI patches made popular apps and programs like YouTube inaccessible on this device. However, with the new 2nd Gen Echo device, this is not an issue anymore and you can use your favorite video-streaming channels to retrieve your favorite music clips.

Pros

• Excellent video quality
• Great audio
• Easy voice control with Alexa
• High compatibility
• Better control of your smart home devices

Cons

• The previous version used to no longer support YouTube, but with the 2nd Gen Echo device, this has been fixed

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for the perfect smart home hub, you cannot go wrong with the New Amazon Echo Show with a screen. This device can help you see recipe instructions while you are cooking, music clips while dancing and your family’s faces while calling them. Extended control over security cameras, lights and internet apps make Echo Show your ideal robotic butler.

The All New Echo Show (2nd Gen)

Check It Out