24 Feb
Blog

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) Review: A True Command Center

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) on angle table

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."

  • Smooth and quiet panning

  • Acts effectively as a surveillance camera

  • Incredible audio performance

  • 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.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) on the deskJohn 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.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd generation) camera close-upJohn 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.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) rear viewJohn 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.

Editor's recommendations




26 Mar
Blog

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) With Clock Review: The Time Is Now

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch front

Amazon Echo Dot with clock

"If you plan to build your smart home, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock is a smart choice to keep you up to date."

  • LED watch is useful and versatile

  • Physical buttons are easy to use

  • Tons of Alexa skills to add

  • Diverse compatibility with smart homes

  • Distortion at higher volumes

  • Cannot be transferred directly from apps

This review was last updated by Digital Trends smart home editor John Velasco on March 25th, 2020.

Although I'm often surrounded by cool technology, I have to admit that I've never used an Amazon Alexa speaker in my home before. This is partly because I first bought a Google Home and have been on the Google Assistant train since then. If you have invested in the ecosystem, it is also difficult to make the switch.

But here I am, switching to Amazon Alexa with the company's latest affordable smart speaker in the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock. I know what you're thinking. It's just the Amazon Echo Dot that was struck with an LED watch. But don't dismiss it just because it's a subtle change.

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. With the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock, you can try the following.

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's my election update?" Or "Alexa, what happened in the last debate?"

Timekeeping at a glance

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch angleJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

With the advent of smartphones, the bedroom alarm clock has almost died out. So why in the world do we need another stationary thing to tell us the time? Now that even the Xfinity cable box in my bedroom has removed the clock from its design, there is actually no other way to tell the time when I'm not looking at my phone.

And that's why I can estimate the Amazon Echo Dot with a watch, because when you're half asleep you don't want to fumble around to determine the time. Instead, I can quickly take a look at the puck-sized speaker on my bedside table. Since the brightness of the LED watch adapts to the ambient light conditions, it is never too bright or too dark.

When you are half asleep, you don't want to fumble around to set the time.

It would have been great to see different color options for the LED watch, but the design of this Echo Dot is refreshingly simple and intuitive. There is no fuss about it. You don't even have to touch your phone.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch ringJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Current owners of the 3rd generation Amazon Echo Dot won't notice anything drastically different with the design of this latest model. Except for the addition of this LED watch, the rest of the speaker is the same. It has a fabric outer panel, physical buttons at the top and the characteristic light ring. Only available in sandstone at the moment, it complements any decoration style without overwhelming anything else you might have lying around.

While the Google Nest Mini has a more coherent appearance, mainly due to the use of LEDs and buttons embedded in the fabric cover, the Amazon Echo Dot with clock offers a more tactile experience. That makes it a lot easier when it's dazed.

Don't expect to rock

Due to its small size, the Amazon Echo Dot with watch is not the first choice if you want to listen to music when friends are over. That is definitely no! Audio performance is sufficient for smaller, isolated rooms, but distortion is noticeable at higher volumes, and it becomes clear how difficult it is for this speaker to maintain clarity.

When I started adding more skills and my different accounts, it became clear that Alexa was as capable as Google Assistant.

You can connect a speaker via the 3.5 mm additional socket to increase the music performance if you want. However, this may be a cumbersome solution.

The Amazon Echo Dot with clock is best suited for interactions with Alexa. The four microphones respond well to my voice commands, while Alexa's responses in their standard voice are far more natural compared to Siri or Google Assistant from Apple. All my requests were recognized by the speaker.

Various smart home integration

At first, Alexa didn't seem as smart as Google Assistant. However, when I started adding more skills and my different accounts, it became clear that she was just as capable. It can control my Philips Hue lights, make calls or order a pizza.

The Echo's LED clock provides the ability to display the countdown when a timer is set. It can also show the temperature if you ask Alexa about it. These are minor functions, but it is no longer necessary to fiddle around with my phone. In addition, the same functions that were available with the last one are still available here.

Amazon Echo Dot 3rd generation watch on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Although you can't deny Alexa's ability to control different smart home devices, there are still some minor issues I have with Alexa. For example, I can't adjust the volume of the speaker using the volume controls on my smartphone unless I start the Alexa app and choose the volume control option.

Another little complaint I made with Alexa is that I can't get something I hear on my phone through an app to the speaker. With Pandora, I can do this if I'm using a Google Home device but Echo devices don't. Instead, everything is managed through the Alexa app.

You could argue that all of these features can only be achieved by talking to Alexa, but sometimes I still like being in control of my smartphone.

Aside from this complaint, I have to admit that there is a huge library of Alexa skills that enhances the functionality of this virtual assistant using the Amazon Echo Dot with clock. It is impressive, even if it is not quite perfect.

Warranty information

The Amazon Echo Dot with watch comes with a 90-day limited warranty and service.

Our opinion

Adding an LED watch to an existing speaker may seem like a lazy update to Amazon, but the Echo Dot (3rd generation) with watch is still an outstanding example of, with its exceptional $ 60 smart home integration cost Entry-level smart speakers, powerful Alexa assistant, and a design that suits any style of decoration.

Amazon also offers several bundles that are worth a look. As a rule, another intelligent device is packaged without increasing the total costs. For example, the bundle that contains a smart light bulb increases its cost to $ 65 while another bundle with a Smart plug You will reset $ 70.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're just heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, the new Google Nest Mini is the obvious alternative. However, if you appreciate Alexa and just want better sound, you should consider either the new Amazon Echo (3rd generation) or Echo Studio.

Do you want more options? Check out our favorite 2019 smart speakers.

How long it will take?

Amazon has continually expanded Alexa’s feature portfolio to include various capabilities, so you can expect this speaker to continue to add new features. Since the Echo Dot with clock is built to be stationary and solid, it can remain functional for a long time.

Should you buy it

Yes, especially if you want to start building your smart home.

Editor's recommendations