Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation)
"It's not often that you get such a rich experience in a product, but the Amazon Echo Show 10 delivers."
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Smooth and quiet panning
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Acts effectively as a surveillance camera
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Incredible audio performance
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Flimsy plastic construction
After a few years in circulation, the second generation Echo Show 10 is finally getting a real successor, Amazon has announced. The timing is right considering the final try was the Echo Show 8, which we billed as perfection in terms of the lineup because it had the balance between size, performance and price. To stand out from previous offerings, the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) leverages everything the company has learned about developing smart displays and packaging in new features that make it a more convergent device for the home.
The headline here is how to mount the display on a rotating base for better visibility wherever you move. We have never seen that before. On top of that, it's a more complete package with a great smart speaker and a potential all-in-one security system to keep your home safe when you are away. This is something to be excited about!
Always in sight
As I have already described in detail, the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) introduces a new feature that we have not yet seen in the series (or even in a smart display) – a brushless motor that has its 10.1 -Inch 1280 allows x 800 touchscreen to pan and cover an entire 360 degree area. I found this convenience helpful as the display always has the correct line of sight, making it perfect for situations where I am moving and cannot physically be in front of the display.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
I was skeptical of this new implementation mainly because I didn't know how it was going to work. Fortunately, my concerns are allayed because in practice it moves smoothly and quietly and never jerks or jerks. When Alexa is on the phone or comes by, I have a bit more freedom if it is placed in an open place. Tracking is a bit problematic at distances over five feet, so I had to move closer for it to recognize me.
If you want to put it in a corner or a desk where it's in close proximity to other things, you can adjust the swivel threshold so it doesn't collide with those. I still found it a bit strange interacting with the touchscreen just because typing tends to jiggle the display a little from its position. Since it is not fixed, there is always that slight shake, but at least that's what the engine anticipates and I never feel like I might be ruining its engine.
Mash-up design that's hard to love
I can't say I'm in love with the new design. First, it's by far the strangest design in a smart display I've ever seen – sort of a marriage between an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet and an Echo Studio. While the mash-up looks weird, it doesn't help that the display's plastic casing feels cheap. The speaker area looks more modern and suits its contemporaries with its mesh fabric cover, which is available in anthracite or glacier white. I prefer the darker shade of charcoal as it is less prone to looking dirty over time.
Another point of contention for some will be the size of the Amazon Echo Show 10. I thought its predecessor was big, as was the Google Nest Hub Max, but the Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) takes up an even bigger footprint. Placed on my desk at home, its stout size makes for a narrower tabletop. However, it works well as a centerpiece on a neat kitchen countertop or coffee table.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Back to the display: it's sharp, bright, and has great viewing angles. The only complaint I have is that the contrast could be better. It can tilt too, but you have to do it manually. In contrast to the swivel function, the inclination of the display was retained as a manual process. This isn't a deal breaker due to the camera's wide field of view.
Secure your home when you are not there
Speaking of cameras: The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) offers some much-needed security features thanks to its 13-megapixel wide-angle camera. Partly intelligent display, partly intelligent loudspeaker. This latest model can now also be classified as a security system. This is something I really appreciate because you have a device that encompasses all of these things.
When Alexa Guard is enabled, the Echo Show 10 listens for smoke and carbon monoxide sirens, as well as glass breaking when away from home. This is something that many Echo devices have, but the Echo Show 10 will soon have the ability to act as a sentinel for Alexa Guard Plus subscribers. The $ 5 per month service allows the Echo Show 10 to periodically pan the room to detect movement and then notify you through notifications.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
What about those who don't want to sign up? Well, you'll be happy to know that in the Echo Show 10, you can always access the camera through the Alexa app. There are also panning controls so you can keep the overview yourself. Of course, privacy is taken into account by a switch on the display that covers the camera and also effectively mutes it. Each time the camera is accessed, a notification will appear on the display informing you that the camera is active.
It's the most complete smart display with Alexa technology to date.
All of this compliments the Echo Show 10's arsenal, which matches the capabilities of the Google Nest Hub Max very well. It is a convergence device more than ever, which makes it an even more valuable part of the smart home.
The best speaker in a smart display
Not only do you get one of the best smart displays, but the Echo Show 10 is a worthy speaker that puts other smart displays to shame. Equipped with two 1-inch tweeters and a 3-inch woofer, the fact that it is an incredibly powerful speaker that can fill rooms enough cannot be hidden.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Listening to music or watching action-packed films is a pleasure because of the loud volume. The audio section certainly favors the lower end, so you can expect great feedback from its woofer when the beat drops or an explosion occurs. In terms of raw performance, no other smart display can match its intensity – including the Google Nest Hub Max, which I would now consider a distant second in this department.
Its own command center
In view of the fact that the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) extends its range beyond the basic functions of a smart display, it turns out to be an independent command center. With Alexa and responsive voice recognition, everyone can access and interact with the smart home exclusively by voice. Panning makes it more convenient to speak voice commands from anywhere in the room as the panning is done automatically in the direction of the voice.
In terms of raw performance, no other smart display can match its intensity.
In addition, you still get the same basic functions as the siblings, e.g. B. the ability to control smart lights, view the live stream of a surveillance camera and set up routines to optimize more processes.
Our opinion
Amazon is taking the appropriate steps to make the Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) a worthy successor that not only establishes itself as one of the leading smart displays on the market, but also replaces many other smart devices in the household. That's a big sale in itself, because for the $ 250 cost, you are effectively getting three basic smart home devices – a smart display, smart speaker, and security camera.
How long it will take
Although I am convinced of the smoothness of the brushless motor, I am still concerned about how it will last over the long term. There is also a fear that it will be knocked from everywhere it sits. In contrast to other smart displays, there are moving parts and attachments here. So this is a major concern. There is a one year limited warranty includedand Amazon offers extended warranties that cover damage.
Is there a better alternative?
If the size of the Echo Show 10 is just too big for your tastes, then consider the other smart displays in the Amazon portfolio: the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8. The only other major competitor it has is the Google Nest Hub Max almost the same functions and features, but supported by the Google Assistant.
Should you buy it?
You bet. It's the most complete smart display with Alexa technology to date.
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