30 Jun
Blog

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) Review: Nothing to See

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) on the table.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2021)

"Since there are hardly any major upgrades, don't be surprised if you can't find a reason to buy this Alexa Smart Display."

  • Compact size helps to fit in tighter spaces

  • Hardly any new upgrades

  • Sounds shrill at high volumes

  • Performance may be delayed

It's been a couple of years since the original Amazon Echo Show 5 was released, so it deserves a refresh. After seeing the Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) grabbing attention due to some of its unique aspects, including rotating the display to follow you during video calls, we all figured it out for the next iteration of the Echo Show 5 is brewing something big.

However, this did not appear to be the case when Amazon announced it. On paper, it just seemed like another recycled successor – with the exception of a new 2-megapixel camera that replaced the 1-megapixel camera of its predecessor. Let's find out if there is more than this one notable upgrade.

Design: a new color

Even if I've never owned the original, the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) spec sheet indicates that we're dealing with a very similar smart display. Its overall dimensions, weight and aesthetics are no different, which technically still makes it the most compact smart display in the Amazon portfolio. This means it is better equipped for tight spaces like bedside tables, bedside tables, and even a cramped desk. I definitely appreciate its good size, but it would have been nice to see it maybe a bit stripped down – either in terms of its overall size or maybe the bezels around the display.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only new feature is the additional Deep Sea Blue color option, which complements the existing Charcoal and Glacier White options. It's not as neutral as the other two colors, but it can certainly help add some contrast. Honestly, I was hoping for a lot more than just a new color with the design, but I can't fail to mention that this is common practice – just take a look at the Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) for an example.

Display: Nothing special, but does the job

While not a show stopper, the 5.5-inch 960 x 480 pixel display succeeds in not being an overwhelming distraction. This becomes particularly clear on my desk, which is already dominated by several other displays. It's sharp enough to be able to tell the time and outside temperature, as well as some of the messages and notifications that appear. I am not particularly convinced that it is the ideal replacement for a picture frame, not only because of its size, but also because of the fact that there is noticeable distortion when viewed from a slight angle.

Sound performance: do not use the maximum volume

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Generation 2021) rear view.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Smaller smart displays don't have the best reputation when it comes to audio performance, and the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen. 2021) isn't breaking new ground in this area. It is powered by a 1.65 inch speaker driver suitable for small, cramped spaces. The audio power is enough to distract in the background while I work, but you really don't want to go beyond half the volume because it sounds high-pitched to the ear.

Interface: a bit of a delay

For some reason, there is a performance lag while navigating the user interface. It's very small and doesn't detract from the overall experience, but it's hard to determine if it's just a less-than-responsive touchscreen or a lack of momentum from the MediaTek MT 8163 processor that powers it. Regardless, I find that actions while a song is playing tend to show some lag.

The camera does not contribute significantly to the overall experience,

Fortunately, speech recognition doesn't seem to be affected at all, as evidenced by how the Echo Show 5 (2nd generation 2021) is able to trigger voice actions in noisy conditions.

Of course, the entire experience revolves around the Amazon ecosystem. Functionally, it is no different from other Alexa-powered smart displays, which are all connected to services such as Prime Music, Prime Video and many more.

Sure, the touchscreen makes it convenient to access various functions, such as: For example, viewing a live stream from my security camera or turning on my Philips Hue lights, but I relied a lot more on voice actions with Alexa.

Camera: A new camera that doesn't add a lot

I mentioned above that this new model has a slightly improved 2 mega-pixel camera. It is the only meaningful upgrade on paper to an otherwise familiar model. Unfortunately, it doesn't really add to the overall experience. There's a bit more detail, but the difference is negligible when looking at the live feed from my smartphone.

Close-up of the camera on the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd generation 2021).John Velasco / Digital Trends

Needless to say, it does the job related to video calling or using the drop-in feature to check things out while I'm on the go. It doesn't get the same pan-and-zoom treatment that its sibling got on the Echo Show 8 (2nd generation 2021), so video calls are best experienced right in front of or near the smart display. If you're worried about snoopers, there's a switch that covers the camera lens, but if you want to mute Alexa too, you'll have to press the appropriate button.

Our opinion

Amazon's decision to release a successor is puzzling to say the least. The only bonus I find on the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) is that at $ 85, it's a bit cheaper than the original $ 90 price of its predecessor. But that's not enough, because we get practically the same model as before with just a slightly improved camera. The camera doesn't add much to the overall experience and is very similar to its predecessor.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're craving something with more substance, this is that Echo Show 8 (2nd generation 2021) and Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) are good options as they contain significant upgrades from their predecessors.

How long it will take?

Made from plastic, it feels sturdy enough to last over the long term. In the event a part breaks, there is a one-year limited warranty that covers any defects.

Should you buy it?

No, mainly because you can buy the previous model for $ 15 less than this – and still have all of the core features available.

Editor's recommendations



30 Mar
Blog

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Review: Don’t Hit Snooze

Google Nest Hub (2nd generation)

"The Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) offers accurate sleep tracking without the discomfort of a wearable thanks to its sleep detection function."

  • Accurate sleep tracking

  • Tons of data about your sleep

  • $ 100 starting price

  • Only a few new functions compared to the previous model

The roots of the smart home go back a long way before the Google Assistant ever became a virtual assistant in the home. It wasn't until the arrival of the Nest Hub in 2018 that we got a real hub to control the smart home. Countless smart displays have been released since then, including a big brother in the Nest Hub Max, which had a front-facing camera whose functionality didn't just act as a smart display.

The new Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) differs from all other smart displays through its sleep monitoring function. It's an addition you wouldn't necessarily expect, especially on a smart display. But is it enough to make it a real successor?

Wearable-free sleep tracking

There was a time when I tracked my sleep at night using a fitness tracker or smartwatch. I found the information they gathered useful, but the reason I stopped was limited to two things – they needed to be charged (daily on most smartwatches) and having something on my wrist when I fell asleep was not comfortable . The thought of tracking sleep without physically wearing anything undoubtedly has an immense appeal for me.

Google Nest Hub 2nd generation on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

This is precisely the main selling point of Sleep Sensing with the Google Nest Hub (2nd generation). Thanks to the Soli technology, which records my movement and breathing, the radar detection system allows me to fall asleep without a wearable device, so I no longer have to worry about other conventional trackers. Best of all, the discreet way it achieves its sleep tracking abilities gets better knowing it works without any interaction on my part.

Surprisingly accurate

At first I was skeptical about how well the Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) could track and monitor my sleep. I found out how surprisingly accurate it is after the first night. After I've activated sleep sensing and entered my typical sleep and wake times, I don't need anything else to make it work – except for sleeping, of course.

Google Nest Hub 2nd generation sleep trackingJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

When I wake up the next morning and ask the Google Assistant how I slept, a dashboard appears on the smart display listing all the important details. I'm even more amazed at some of the stats it got from my sleep, how long I went from falling asleep (it took me 1 hour and 25 minutes on a weekend) and the time it took to fall asleep for me to follow when I wake up from bed (46 minutes). It can even measure my breathing rate, which is considered average at 17 breaths per minute (rpm).

Sleep Sensing also monitors my sleep for snoring, coughing, and restlessness – all to determine my sleep efficiency. Based on the data, I am nowhere near able to get the 85% to 95% efficiency rating that I should be aiming for with my sleep. This makes sense when you consider that the Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) knows that I get out of bed and "wake up" around 5:00 am most days of the week. This is correct because the cats then start trampling me all over the place. This is how I know that the Nest Hub's sleep detection is accurate, even when my fiancé is sleeping in bed next to me.

You can also use the Google Fit app on a smartphone to check all the details. Though I find it a little annoying to have to download another app to view the information. In my opinion, it would be more useful to integrate it with the Google Home app as it is the app that I use to control my smart home devices.

Sleep tracking is not for everyone

If you're like me and have a specific sleep routine, e.g. For example, one where cats wake you up and force you to sleep on the couch, the Nest Hub's sleep tracking feature isn't particularly useful – mainly because the data didn't paint an accurate representation of your sleep. Unless I take the Nest Hub to the couch or something, but who does it? For me, sleep tracking is not a main selling point that I would look for with a smart display.

I'm even more amazed at some of the statistics it contains from my sleep.

Still, I can understand how knowledge is power. There is actually a sleep report that looks at sleep data and offers some tips on how to improve that data. In my case, I am told to stop checking my phone before bed and do it when I wake up instead. After all, sleep monitoring definitely paints an accurate picture of my sleep – something I can't get enough of on weekdays thanks to the cats. Another obvious pattern confirmed by the Nest Hub (2nd Generation) is sleeping on the weekend.

Same age, same age

There's an obvious reason I've spent a lot of time talking about sleep sensors. To be honest, this latest model hardly differs from its predecessor. Everything else about this smart display is no different. From its 7-inch LCD touchscreen, which I will once again admit, is a feast for the eyes because it makes photos realistically lifelike thanks to its Ambient EQ mode, to its compact design with a similar fabric cover for its base nothing terrible about it.

Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Because it's a smart home hub, you can still access and control many of your connected devices at home – both through voice actions using the Google Assistant and by interacting with the various on-screen dashboards. What's missing here is a camera, which I honestly would rather have given the added value it would provide.

Companion at the bed

This brings me to my final point that, due to the lack of a camera, I'm more of a bedside companion. Without one, people will likely still put them in their bedroom, which makes perfect sense since the marquee feature here is sleep tracking. There is a little point in putting it anywhere other than your bed.

Although technically it can live on your desk, kitchen counter or coffee table in the living room like any other smart display with similarly sized displays, you are effectively negating the most notable function.

Our opinion

It's a tough job for the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), largely because it's practically the same smart display we've seen before when you take sleep detection out of the equation. Thankfully, the start-up cost for this model is $ 100, which is still better than the $ 149 initial cost of the original Google Nest Hub. Unless you sleep adamantly, it's hard to justify choosing this over other current smart displays.

How long it will take?

Google's sustainability efforts are presented here again with the Nest Hub (2nd generation). It's made from 54% recycled plastic, which adds to its lightweight feel. Even so, it feels solid and I'm confident that it can withstand most falls from short heights. There is a one year limited warranty that covers defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Similarly in size and size, the Lenovo Smart Display 7 is the most logical alternative as it covers the basic functions while also including a camera that can be used for video calls. The Google Nest Hub Max remains the undisputed king of smart displays despite its more expensive $ 229 cost, as it can replace three products – a powerful smart speaker, a smart display, and a surveillance camera.

If the Google ecosystem isn't your thing, the Amazon Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) are perfect solutions if you prefer Alexa.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if sleep is important to you and you don't want to be bothered by annoying wearables, you will fall in love with it. If not, it would be better if you try to find the older model at a discount.

Editor's recommendations




01 Jan
Blog

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) Review: Alexa All the Time

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)

"The Amazon Echo Frames are a great start to let Alexa take you anywhere."

  • Contemporary design is attractive

  • Open-ear audio technology

  • Ideal for calls

  • Long battery life

  • Cheap construction

  • A bit expensive

Let's be honest: Alexa is everywhere. There's no denying that Amazon's virtual assistant has pervaded every facet of the tech field. You can find Alexa in shower heads, electrical outlets, and even in a twerking teddy bear. For the most part, the company has looked at more practical applications in the wearables space.

The Amazon Echo Frames, first announced in 2020, were some new wearables that were introduced to give people access to Alexa at all times. While it has remained nothing more than a "Day One Edition" since its announcement and limited release, a cautious successor was announced only last month. Now we have the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Generation), which offer improvements like better audio and longer battery life – while trying to be discreet with their design. The question that still remains is whether or not it is a practical device.

Contemporary look, sloppy construction

I don't wear glasses so using the Echo Frames takes a little getting used to. What ensures is that, from the front, the frames look very much like ordinary glasses – you wouldn't even realize they are smart glasses the first time you look at them. In fact, the design tucks all of the technical hardware into the frame – if you look at it from the front. That all changes the moment you look at it from the sides.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The all-plastic frame is thickest there. It can certainly be a bit of a distraction, but overall, the contemporary look of the design makes it an eyepiece that won't attract too much attention. The goggles use materials like TR90 (thermoplastic material), carbon fiber, and titanium in their construction, which makes them lightweight, but the whole package feels sloppy. Amazon did a commendable job designing it, but everything about the construction screams weakly!

You wouldn't even realize it was a pair of smart glasses when you first looked at it.

The lenses that came with my device are made of polycarbonate, a material commonly used in glasses. In my experience with polycarbonate lenses in sunglasses, they are more prone to scratches and less resilient than glass. It is probably why it is recommended to use the microfiber cloth and hard case whenever possible. Before receiving the echo frames, I thought it would be possible to replace the lenses with ones that filter blue light. This is not currently the case, however, but you can swap them out for prescription lenses.

Alexa all the time

The centerpiece is Alexa – the virtual assistant lives in the Amazon Echo Frames at all times, as long as you have a Bluetooth connection to your mobile device. This is necessary because there is no WiFi. I connected it to my iPhone XS and didn't have any issues.

Initiating Alexa is just like any other Alexa device you may already own. All you have to do is say “Alexa”. In all fairness, the experience is no different from accessing them through a smartphone, smart speaker, or any of the other Alexa devices on the market. I appreciate the convenience of being able to control my smart lights at home and receiving notifications from my ring indoor camera when it detects movement.

I was particularly intrigued by the built-in speakers on the Echo Frames. This second generation version improves open-ear audio technology, according to Amazon. The volume is enough to hear music, podcasts, or e-books, but I can tell you others can hear them too. And that's one point I notice about the Echo Frames. Sure, I had no problem making calls and listening to songs while washing dishes, all hands-free, but part of me would prefer to keep these experiences private.

If you're like me and have a ton of apps on your smartphone that bombard you with notifications all the time, you're going to like the VIP filter. You can use the Alexa mobile app to prioritize which messages and app notifications you want to hear. It's useful for the Echo Frames to beep for each notification, followed by Alexa's announcement. However, the choice is yours to hear more of this notification by swiping the capacitive touch-sensitive area that's built into the right part of the frame.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

The only thing missing now is the option of choosing Samuel L. Jackon as voice assistant. It's not an option at the moment, but I hope that will change soon.

Surprising all-day battery

One of the problems I have with almost every device is that they just can't hold their charge long enough to last a day. Fortunately, this is not a problem with the Amazon Echo Frames, as they can easily run in a single day with lots of gasoline in the tank. In my experience, after a day of use that started on a full charge, there was 30% capacity left. Given that it replaced a pair of headphones and gave Alexa commands all day, it's impressive how long it took. Amazon's claim to 14 hours of juice for media playback at 80% volume is impressive, and my real-world experience has been a satisfactory confirmation.

It's impressive that it took so long.

The frames come with a proprietary charging cable with pin connectors that are magnetically connected to the connector on the Echo Frames. If you use this implementation, the Echo Frames will be IPX4 waterproof. So you can withstand light splashes if you get caught in the rain but don't want to plunge into the pool.

would like more

In the short time I've been using the Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation), I've realized how useful it can be to have a voice assistant available at all times. But I long for much more. Is this different from an Alexa smart speaker when you are at home, or maybe your smartphone? Not really.

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd generation)John Velasco / Digital Trends

There is also a part of me who is wondering how this could be an even more attractive solution. Take open audio technology, for example. It's great that I can hear notifications and music while wearing the Echo Frames, but I would appreciate something with more privacy – maybe in the sense of using bone conduction technology so that the audio is isolated for my own hearing.

Our opinion

The $ 250 price tag seems like an expensive investment, but you need to keep in mind that they're attached glasses that offer better hands-free calling and eliminate the need to carry or use multiple devices. Think about it for a moment – it combines the functions of a smart speaker, virtual assistant and wireless headphones in one. This kind of convergence is difficult to achieve.

How long it will take?

I'm being honest and I'm saying that you want to be extra careful as the design doesn't give me confidence that the frames would withstand an accident or fall. However, Amazon offers a 2-year personal accident insurance plan for $ 40. Defects are covered with the standard 1-year guarantee.

Is there a better alternative?

At the moment no. There are few smart glasses on the market, most of which position themselves more as augmented reality glasses than anything else. Plus, they're generally much more expensive.

Should you buy it?

Yes, especially if you're the type who craves constant interaction with Alexa.

Editor's recommendations




09 Aug
Blog

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review: Light on Upgrades

Bell video doorbell 2nd generation 2020 rating 2 and post person

Ring video doorbell 2nd gen.

"The cheapest ring is not a revelation, but its price is."

  • Inexpensive

  • Great app experience

  • Privacy Zone censors certain areas

  • easy installation

  • No replaceable battery

  • Glitchy video and audio

Several video doorbells have gone through since the original was released in 2013. There were Elite, Pro, Ring Video Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, and Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. After all that, the company returned to the original with the Ring video doorbell 2nd gen. ($ 100).

How does it differ from all of its cousins? It's $ 100 price tag. It's by far the cheapest bells launched this year – Bells 3 and 3 Plus for Ring Video cost $ 200 and $ 230, respectively. That's a big difference. Is it worthy of the premium brand Ring? I tried the 2nd generation to see how it stood out from the competition and the other ring doorbells.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 and Post Personring

installation

Like the other Ring Video Doorbells, Generation 2 is very easy to install. The instructions in the app will guide you through everything step by step. The kit even includes a level, screwdriver, and drill bit in case you need a drill bit. All you have to do is attach the mounting plate to the wall or door frame with a couple of screws, click the doorbell onto the plate, and then secure everything with two more screws. The wireless installation takes about 30 minutes in total. If you're replacing another wired doorbell, the installation won't take much longer because it connects to the cables you already have. However, if you want it to be wired but don't currently have a wired doorbell, you will need to get a professional to do the installation.

Still not an easy way to top up

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 BackAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The very first thing I noticed is how difficult it is to charge this new model. The other new video doorbells in the Ring range have a detachable faceplate that allows you to remove the battery to recharge. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd generation) does not have a removable battery. The entire doorbell must be completely removed from the mounting plate as the charging port is on the back of the doorbell. This is the same method as the first generation Ring Video Doorbell. That means you have to loosen two security screws to be able to recharge the doorbell. What a pain! While the doorbell is charging, instead of a doorbell, you have an ugly mounting plate next to your door.

Other than having to unplug the doorbell from the front panel and load it in, the battery isn't that bad. Like the other ring doorbells, it should only need to be charged every few months. Overall, it consumes around 1% of its battery life every day.

Video

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) has a 1080p HD camera, just like the Ring Doorbell 2, the Ring Doorbell 3 and the Ring Doorbell 3 Plus. It's leaps and bounds better than the 1st generation with a 720p HD camera, however. What's even more surprising is that this 2nd generation model has higher color saturation and better contrast, possibly a little too much contrast, despite the same video specifications as the 3 Plus.

The curvature of the fish shell around the edges of the video seems a little less obvious.

Also, the curvature of the fish shell seems a little less obvious around the edges of the video. As I've said in other doorbell reviews, curvature distortion is an issue that should have been resolved by now. Among other things, the Arlo Video doorbell figured out how to create a doorbell without distorting the edges. Why is Ring sleeping on this upgrade?

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 VideoAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The 2nd generation has night vision just like their brand friends. It's similar to other night vision doorbells, but far from amazing. The contrast is good and faces are pretty recognizable. When it is really dark outside, the camera switches to black and white footage. As long as the lights on your porch are on, they will still be recorded in color.

The video is corrupted if the person moves in front of the camera. It corrects itself in a few seconds, but is still annoying. You would think that this is due to the fact that it only has 2.0GHz Wi-Fi connectivity. Not so. The other ringtones also have this problem even when using a 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi connection.

The field of view (how much area the camera can "see") is somewhat narrower than with other doorbell doors. The Ring Video doorbell (2nd generation) has a field of view of 155 degrees, while the 3 Plus is a little wider 160 degrees. Frankly, this didn't seem to make much of a difference when comparing footage side by side. The original model has a 180 degree field of view so I'm a little confused. You would expect Gen 2 to be an upgrade, not a downgrade.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 VideoAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

While you can watch live videos for free, you will need a subscription to save your videos. The ring protection plan allows you to review and share videos and photos for up to 60 days. It costs just $ 3 per month per device or $ 10 per month for your entire household. So it's not particularly expensive. It's similar to other plans like Nest Aware for Google's Nest Hello, but other companies like August offer free video storage for their doorbells.

Audio

Ring video doorbell 2nd generation on the doorAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

Two-way audio is a feature found throughout the Ring line of video doorbells. You can talk to anyone at your door without opening it or even being home. The noise-canceling technology really helps to attenuate ambient noise so you can hear the person speaking clearly. The sound is also very loud. The only problem is with the microphone and speaker turning on and off so the sound is a bit choppy on either side of the conversation.

properties

The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) has most of the same functionality as any other Ring Doorbell, mainly because they all use the same app. One thing that isn't there is the pre-roll option, which allows the camera to record a four-second preview video in front of a motion alarm, which is exclusive to the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus. It's helpful when you need more footage, such as identifying someone on a video, but it's not a huge loss.

Many Ring competitors use artificial intelligence to detect and warn you when a package is on your porch. However, Ring does not offer it for a single model. Maybe I'm just overestimating what a great feature this is. I think it's pretty helpful, but Ring maybe not. It's artificial intelligence that can tell the difference between people, animals, or cars so that motion notifications are more accurate.

Ring Video Doorbell Gen 2 with 3 PlusRing Video Doorbell Gen 2 next to the 3 Plus Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

To save battery power and reduce constant notifications, there are several ways you can customize the camera's motion detection. The motion detection area can be adjusted so that it only detects movement on your porch or as far as the sidewalk. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the motion detection. If you don't want any notifications at all, you can turn off motion alarms for 30 minutes to four hours.

There is a privacy zone option that literally blocks part of the yard in the video.

If you have a part of your yard that you don't want the camera to see, there is a privacy zone that literally blocks that part of the yard in the video via a black box. Think of it as your own censorship bar. This can be helpful if you don't want the camera to record your children's play or pool areas if you are concerned that the footage is being hacked.

I say this a lot in my reviews but I will say it again. I love the Ring app. It's not buggy and easy to use. Even better, you'll get live crime and security alerts reported by your neighbors or local law enforcement, as well as weekly security reports. This is the only doorbell app that has it all. In fact, the app is one of Ring's biggest selling points.

Ring App

Our opinion

It really seems like Ring is just producing video doorbells without much innovation. The Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is almost indistinguishable from the other new video doorbells except that it does not have a removable battery or 5.0 GHz WiFi connectivity option and has a slightly narrower field of view. The special thing is the price. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is $ 200, while this 2nd generation model is $ 100. That's a great incentive.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a ring video doorbell, this is your best bet for the price. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus has an additional pre-roll option and a replaceable battery. However, it's not worth paying an extra $ 135. A better option might be the Ring Video Doorbell 3, which brings the cost down to $ 200 and has the same features and specifications as the 3 Plus except for the pre-roll feature.

For better video quality, I would recommend the Arlo Video Doorbell or another option on our list of the best video doorbells. That said, Ring has the best app out there, and if you have other Ring products I definitely recommend the Gen 2.

How long it will take?

Since this doorbell is a solid piece with no removable faceplate, it may seem more durable than other ring doorbells. It comes with a one year limited warranty. If it is stolen, Ring will replace it for free.

Should you buy it

Yes. It's actually a decent doorbell for the price. You also get the great Ring app.

Editor's recommendations




27 May
Blog

Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) Review: New Look, Same Great Protection

Ring alarm (2nd generation) keyboard on the wall

Ring Alarm Security 5-piece kit

"The ring alarm offers excellent home surveillance with a surprisingly low monthly fee."

  • Affordable professional surveillance service

  • Quick setup

  • Backwards compatible with 1st generation hardware

  • Solid range of accessories

  • Needs better camera integration

The new ring alarm (second generation) starts at $ 200 for the five-part kit. However, there are several other kits and bundles to choose from. You can also add accessories later at any time if necessary.

Ring intends to make home security simple, easy and safe. Unlike traditional security systems that require professional installation, it is a do-it-yourself solution where you set everything up. However, Ring Alarm continues to offer 24-hour home surveillance to give homeowners another pair of eyes when they're not there.

What's new?

Basically nothing changes in the basic requirement of the new ring alarm. It is the same home improvement security system that consists of a base station, contact sensors, a motion detector, a keyboard and a range extender. They attach the contact sensors to doors, windows or other entry points throughout the house that then communicate with the base station and send warnings as soon as they are triggered.

Door alarm (2nd generation) Door sensor on the doorJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

What is special about the new hardware is that Ring has reduced the size of each component by around 30%. For example, the keyboard is 38% smaller than its previous counterpart in the first generation system.

Despite the reduction, the sensors are not significantly smaller than those used in other systems such as SimpliSafe or Xfinitys Home Security. Ring is catching up instead of leading with a much smaller design.

Another important change concerns the batteries used by the sensors. The first generation version requires a 3 V lithium battery that is not as readily available as the new version CR2032 coin cell batteries. It's a boring detail, but you'll appreciate the change when it comes to replacing a battery.

Mix and match compatibility

If you happen to own the first generation ring alarm, you can mix and match the hardware to work with the new system, and vice versa. I'm glad to see that owners don't have to drop the old hardware when planning an upgrade. Interoperability is always a welcome relief as it helps maintain the value of the system over time.

It is always a welcome relief when there is interoperability.

Setting up is a breeze with the on-screen instructions in the Ring app. The base station can be connected directly to a router or wirelessly via WLAN. Placement at home is crucial, however, as the gateway communicates with the various sensors. There is also a range limitation for the sensors. For smaller places like my home, range is not a problem as everything is within 50 feet of the base station. Fortunately, the basic model of the ring alarm, the five-part kit, comes with a range extender that attaches an additional 250 feet.

After reclassifying the sensors, the entire setup process was completed in less than 30 minutes. If you need additional sensors, Ring offers a range of accessories to choose from – such as flood sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors and more.

A lot of control, but could be smarter

In the Ring mobile app, you can access and change all settings of the Ring Alarm home security system. You can quickly activate and deactivate the system in the dashboard of the app by pressing the corresponding buttons. In a critical situation, I like how I can use the exclamation point button on the dashboard to quickly request help and trigger the alarm. The same controls are on the keyboard for quick access.

When I resort to some of the app's detailed controls, I find it useful that I can set the mode for each sensor. For example, I turned off the window sensors when they were in home mode, which prevents them from notifying me when I open or close them. At the same time, I switched off motion detection with my Ring Indoor Cam to prevent even more redundant notifications from being sent to me.

Conversely, when the system is activated in away mode, all sensors are monitored and set to trigger the alarm when triggered. Speaking of which, the base station sends out a deafening 104 dB siren that is more than loud to deter an intruder and hear my neighbors.

Although there are enough controls to customize the security system to my liking, it could be more intelligent. One complaint I have is that the alarm does not go off when my ring indoor camera detects motion in away mode, so it just sends the typical push notification instead.

Also, there doesn't seem to be an option to force the camera to turn on and shoot footage when one of the sensors is triggered – something that would be useful if my front door opened, regardless of where the camera is at home.

Finally, it would be helpful if Ring Alarm could see whether I was at home or not. In fact, there have been several cases where I forgot to activate it before leaving. Therefore, it would be nice if the app suggested to put it into vacation mode.

Affordable 24/7 home surveillance

The most attractive aspect of the ring alarm (second generation) is the affordable cost associated with its professional 24-hour home surveillance service. You must subscribe to Ring Protect Plus, which is $ 10 a month or $ 100 a year, but has the benefit of a real-time emergency response.

When an alarm is triggered, not only will you receive a notification on your smartphone, but a representative from Ring's professional surveillance service will call to check. From there, you can simply speak the verbal password to ignore the alarm or have emergency services sent to your home.

Base station for ring alarm (2nd generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The monthly cost of $ 10 for Ring Protect Plus also covers video history for all cameras connected to your Ring account for up to 60 days. In the event that the power supply fails at home, the base station has a 24-hour backup battery and a cellular service to continue the service. If you are heavily invested in the ring ecosystem, the cost is a bargain as this also includes professional monitoring.

Our opinion

With the ring alarm (2nd generation) you are protected in protecting your house – without having to cost an arm and a leg for a professional surveillance service. The five-part base kit costs $ 200 and the surveillance service costs $ 10 a month (or $ 100 a year). This makes it extremely competitive with other services that have both a higher initial investment and a higher monthly fee.

Is there a better alternative?

SimpliSafe is another do-it-yourself security service that needs to be considered due to its robust range of accessories. In addition to the usual sensors, SimpliSafe also offers a Smart Lock, special smoke and CO detectors, a key fob and a glass break sensor. SimpliSafe accessories are cheaper ($ 15 for an input sensor versus $ 20 for ring). To top it off, further settings and data protection regulations must be adjusted with SimpliSafe.

How long it will take?

Because the base station remains stationary and is in your home, it is unlikely to be damaged or need to be replaced. However, the sensors need to be replaced and the alarm keypad needs to be recharged occasionally unless you want to connect it to the power source.

Ring offers an extended warranty on all devices connected to your Ring Protect Plus subscription, so malfunctions due to defective parts or workmanship are covered until you stop service.

Should you buy it

Yes, especially if you are already invested in the ring ecosystem and want an affordable professional home surveillance service. If you already own the first generation model, there is little incentive to upgrade as the basic features and service remain the same.

Editor's recommendations




16 May
Blog

Amazon Echo Show Review | New (2nd Gen) 2018 Model

Amazon Echo Show 2 review

Echo Show (2nd generation)

"With a bigger screen and a stronger sound, the new Amazon Echo Show is better in every way."

  • Impressive sound quality

  • Crystal clear display

  • Larger screen than the previous model

  • Built-in smart home hub

  • Expensive

  • No Z-Wave integration

We felt that the Amazon Echo Show was up for an update. Given the competition from Google Assistant over the beautiful Smart Display from Lenovo and the Link View from JBL, both of which offer better sound and display quality, Amazon had to catch up.

The company delivered the Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation), an Alexa speaker with a screen, when it was released in October 2018 for $ 229. We had some time with the new device and Amazon definitely delivered.

Alexa, show me film times

Like the previous Echo show, the new show looks a bit like a supported tablet. But the new show has a bigger, crystal-clear 10-inch display (the old one was seven inches tall). It serves as a smart hub, meaning it can use the ZigBee protocol to connect to smart home devices.

Another difference between old and new devices is the shape. The older version was similar to an old school blocky TV, while the new one is more streamlined and has a sandstone or charcoal back. It's ideal for a kitchen environment where you can ask Alexa to show you tutorials on how to make lasagna, for example.

Amazon increased the sound quality with two two-inch premium drivers, a passive bass heater and Dolby processing. In addition, you can adjust the treble and bass from anywhere in the room with just your voice. You can also use the show to set up Alexa's multi-room audio feature.

You can adjust the treble and bass from all over the room with just your voice.

The show offers better integration with ring security products (owned by Amazon), especially the video doorbells. When your doorbell rings, you can see who’s on the front door on the Show screen. With a Hulu subscription, you can also watch live TV on your device and make Skype calls soon.

In addition, the show does everything a normal echo speaker can do, e.g. B. Add items to your shopping list, set the timer or enter the square root of 52,000 (answer: 228.03508502). For those of you who can sneak into your home from devices with a screen, there is a way to turn off both the camera and speaker for privacy reasons.

Alexa, play Cardi B.

We had the opportunity to work on the new show and were impressed by the improved sound quality. We mean significantly improved. We placed the new Echo Show next to the old one to do sound tests side by side and were thrilled. It is clear that Amazon has moved the sound from the "good enough" category to the "good enough to play during a party" category.

We asked Alexa to play Cardi B's I Like It, which has a decent amount of bass. While our old Echo Show sounds a bit muffled with songs with fat bass, the new show has mastered the task well and offers an adult, clear, bold, space-filling version of the song. We had a similar experience when we asked Alexa to go one step further with The Beatles & # 39; Let it Be. The instrumentals and lyrics mixed well. And if you want more power, you can optionally pair the show with the new Echo Sub and other Echo speakers to double the sound.

We let both devices play uptown funk and found that the new show projected a bold, fuller sound across the room, creating a multi-dimensional version of the song that wasn't there before.

Amazon Echo Show 2 reviewRich Shibley / Digital Trends

The improvements are also great for the display. We watched a few minutes of an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and again the improvement in clarity of the display was strong. Sharp, clear images appeared on the screen, and the device can definitely be used as a television if you wish. While it doesn't quite match the clarity of Lenovo's smart display with Google Assistant, it was a huge improvement over the previous Echo Show.

Obviously, it would be a little difficult to gather around the device like a television, since it is supported at an angle. However, if you want to follow the game while cooking dinner, you will get a detailed overview of current events.

Alexa, turn on the lamp below

We were able to get the show up and running in our smart home without any problems. After connecting, we were asked for our Amazon Prime account information and our WiFi password and we were ready to go. We should note that we have already installed the Alexa app on our phone and connected the device to an existing network of Echo devices. If this is your first echo, you need to do other tasks in the front end, e.g. For example, setting up your preferred language, connecting music streaming services to your account, and adding smart home devices that you want your Echo to control. The Alexa app and show screen will walk you through the steps for a painless setup.

We connected the show to our Nest camera and watched footage of it in no time. The larger screen and clearer display of the new show made a big difference: we could see whether our son's eyes were open or closed in bed – something we couldn't do before. We also connected our Noon and Philips Hue lights and smart plugs and were able to easily switch any device on and off with just the sound of our voice.

Otherwise, the Alexa voice assistant is the same that you'll find in any Alexa device – it can solve math problems for you, tell you what your favorite superhero is, set multiple timers, make calls, and more. The advantage of a screen comes into play when you need to view video, play movies or cook videos, make video calls, or even use your voice to answer the ring of your ringtone. We test this new feature when we get a ringtone doorbell installed.

A couple of things: While we’re excited about integrating Zigbee, we’d like Amazon to add Z-Wave functionality to make the show compatible with a wider range of smart home devices. Many hubs, like Samsung's SmartThings Wi-Fi, offer both. If you want to use one of the more than 2,400 devices that use Z-Wave, you may have to invest in one.

The fabric back is definitely an improvement.

We also hoped for a price cut. While Amazon has invested in major upgrades for this 2.0 model, $ 230 is still a bit expensive, especially considering that the 8-inch Lenovo smart display costs $ 200 (although we should note that the 10-inch version of Lenovo actually costs more than the show at $ 250).

Overall, however, we were impressed with the improvements Amazon made to the Echo overhaul.

Warranty information

The Echo Show comes with a one-year warranty and service. You can purchase an extended one, two, or three year warranty separately.

Try these new features

Thanks to frequent updates that expand their toolkit, Alexa is getting smarter. While there are some basic features you should definitely know, there are new tricks available every month. You can try the following with the Amazon Echo Dot with watch.

Find out more about COVID-19

The pandemic has changed many things for us. Alexa is here to help you with updates and what to do if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19. Just say, "Alexa, what do I do if I think I have COVID-19?" She will ask you a number of questions, including your itinerary, to give you the correct CDC guide.

Get the latest weather alerts

Storms and other bad weather can occur immediately, which is useful for the latest warnings. The Echo Dot with clock can keep you up to date by saying, "Alexa, tell me if there's a storm alert."

Election updates

There will be a lot of news when the presidential elections are in full swing. So it is a good idea to know what is going on in politics. You can use the Echo Dot with clock to get the latest voting information, debate reviews, and more. All you have to do is say, "Alexa, what is my election update" or "Alexa, what happened in the last debate?"

Our opinion

Overall, the new Echo Show is better than the old one in every way. With powerful sound, a crystal-clear 10-inch display, an additional Smart Hub and an optimized, softer appearance, we are impressed that Amazon has taken so many steps to significantly improve the product.

Is there a better alternative?

Smart displays are still very competitive, and Google Assistant devices are the most competitive. The Google Nest Hub Max ($ 200) is an ultimate smart display that adds a key element that you won't find on our devices. It also serves as a surveillance camera. The Lenovo Smart Display 7 with Google Assistant is a device with a compact design and an affordable price ($ 100).

If you don't need the screen on Echo devices, you can get an intelligent speaker with built-in Alexa voice assistant with an Echo ($ 70) or Echo Dot ($ 30). However, you will miss the functionality of the ZigBee Smart Hub, and without the screen it would be more difficult to get a tutorial on how to bake cookies.

How long it will take?

Amazon Echo devices and Alexa are both here to stay. Alexa is getting better with firmware updates and additional skills. The Echo Show hardware feels robust enough to last for at least a few years, and support for the device should continue for a long time.

Should you buy it

If you're looking for an Alexa-based smart speaker with a screen, you should buy it. If you're not married to Alexa, check out the Google Nest Hub Max. In any case, you will get a great device.

Editor's recommendations