23 Oct
Blog

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) Review: Setting the Benchmark

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the table

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Review: Growing Up To Set The Standard

"It's still compact, but the new Echo Dot (4th Generation) offers a decent punch for $ 50."

  • Charming new design

  • Excellent audio quality for its size

  • Alexa Guard protection

  • Affordable cost

  • LED clock should be standard

The fourth generation of the Echo Dot does without the puck-shaped design of its predecessors and wants to make a statement with its revised design. You could say it's a game of chance, because the spherical shape of the new design is very different from anything else. The bigger problem, however, is where this latest model competes against the multitude of other smart speakers that are seeking attention.

Big surprises come in small packages

While Amazon is the entry-level model, it has never neglected the audio punch of the Echo Dot – and that is evident in the fourth-generation Echo Dot. For its size, it's actually pretty impressive how good it sounds. Sure, it's in no way intended to compete with the premium audio experiences of something like the Echo Studio, but given its size, I'm convinced it's the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Beneath the 100% recycled post-consumer mesh that wraps the entire speaker is a 1.6-inch front speaker that delivers crisp highs that are offset by rich-sounding bass. If you are the casual music listener, you will appreciate how the Echo Dot (4th Generation) can fill smaller rooms with its audio very well. You can certainly improve the output by pairing it with other speakers for that room-filling sound. However, it can still stand on its own.

I am convinced that it is the best sounding speaker in the $ 50 price range.

It handles higher volumes well without ever sounding screeching or high-pitched. There's also a little wiggle room when it comes to tweaking the tone, as controls for adjusting bass, mids, and treble are available through the Alexa app. Don't let its small size fool you – the Echo Dot can let some larger speakers rival for its performance.

One design for everyone

Just like its bigger sibling, the Echo (4th generation), the Echo Dot (4th generation) has a spherical shape. The height has increased over the third generation Echo Dot, while the physical buttons for volume, mute, and action continue to lead the way.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

I was skeptical of this decision, especially when the puck-shaped design has become an icon. Change can be a good thing, however – and that's the case with the new Echo Dot (4th generation). Whether on my desk or on a kitchen shelf – the design fits almost any style and decor.

Amazon also announced the variants of the speaker during its September 2020 event:

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock

If you need a bedside companion, this is it Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock is the logical choice. It shows the time – along with the outside temperature, timers and alarms. I honestly wish the LED clock was a standard feature on the Echo Dot rather than an entirely separate model.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th generation) with clock LED lightJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Apart from the clock functions, nothing differs from the standard model. However, there is a $ 10 premium on this version, which equates to a $ 60 premium. It's worth buying because I can't tell you how convenient it is to find the time without turning to my smartphone.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition

More and more people are relying on smart speakers when working from home, but those who have kids will want to consider the fun and sweetness Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition.

Echo Dot Kids Edition IntroducedAmazon

There are currently two design options available – a panda or a tiger. The Kids Edition has the same features as the standard Echo Dot, but Amazon has a range of kid-friendly content, including a year of Amazon Kids +. Children can ask Alexa to tell them stories, call approved friends, and use some educational skills. Just like the watch, the Kids Edition costs $ 60.

Alexa to the rescue

Alexa, the digital assistant, is growing and developing. Although Alexa is better at providing relevant answers and answers to questions / commands, I find the Google Assistant still does a better job. That said, there are a lot more Alexa-compatible devices to control and control – from everyday things like smart LED lightbulbs to some obscure devices like garage openers.

It's little things like Alexa Guard that create more incentive value.

Thanks to the various Alexa skills that you can acquire, the functionality of Alexa continues to grow. I love that you can change Alexa's voice to Samuel L. Jackson, especially when it comes to the explicit and funny comment.

There is one area that caught my attention more than anything – security features that Alexa can use to watch over my home. With Alexa Guard, the Echo Dot (4th generation) listens for certain noises such as broken glass or a smoke detector. The Google Assistant does a similar thing, but you need to subscribe to the Nest Aware service. It's a free service for Alexa Guard, so I appreciate it rolling out at no additional cost. Would you like a more comprehensive service? Launching soon for $ 5 per month, Amazon Guard Plus has an emergency line that you can call for help by asking Alexa.

Most people expect smart speakers to do the typical things like play music and control other smart home devices, but it's little things like Alexa Guard that make the Echo Dot (4th Generation) more excited at home.

Our opinion

The Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) makes some bold changes, but it offers a punchy package that makes it the smart speaker that can be beat in the $ 50 price range. The spherical design is a refreshing change that doesn't stop it from being a capable speaker for music. The only criticism I have is that the LED clock should be standard on all models rather than having a dedicated model.

How long it will take?

Since it is unlikely to be moved from place to place, there is little or no concern that something unfortunate will happen to the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation). Construction is solid, but if something goes wrong internally, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers deficiencies. If you need more, Amazon offers paid accident protection.

Is there a better alternative?

You won't find anything better that combines the exceptional audio performance of the Echo Dot, extensive features, and evolving capabilities of Alexa at around $ 50. If you're craving for better audio performance, the Amazon Echo Studio remains the best Alexa speaker – while the Amazon Echo (4th Generation) bridges the void as an all-round performer at $ 100.

The Google Nest Mini is the natural choice if your budget is around $ 50 and you rely heavily on Google's services.

Should you buy it?

Even if you have the previous version, the Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) is a great buy whether you're just starting out or planning an addition.

Editor's recommendations




23 Oct
Blog

Amazon Echo (4th Gen) Review: New Look, Outstanding Results

Amazon Echo 4th Generation Rating 9 out of 14

Amazon Echo (4th generation) review: New look, same excellent results

"A charming new design paired with Alexa's intelligence makes the Echo (4th generation) an outstanding competitor."

  • Charming new spherical design

  • Blinding LED light ring

  • Serves as an Amazon Sidewalk Bridge

  • Great sounding tone

  • Bass trunks at the highest volume

It's hard to imagine that the original Amazon Echo smart speaker was released in 2014 and has become one of the most popular smart speakers around. For many people, it was their introduction to the future of the home – where voice control for hiring a digital assistant to complete tasks was of paramount importance. Now we have the newest member in the established line with the fourth generation Amazon Echo.

While I was relying on a variant of last year's third generation model, Amazon (like many others) surprised me with the introduction of a suitable successor. What is interesting, however, is the radical change in design, which deviates from the traditional cylindrical shape of the pre-speakers. With the new contest offerings already announced, namely Google Nest Audio and Apple HomePod mini, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) clearly has a battle ahead of it to become the standout winner this season.

Charming spherical design

When Amazon presented the Echo (4th generation) during its virtual press event in September 2020, I was skeptical of the new design. It was a radical change from what we've seen so far, so I wasn't particularly impressed. But as soon as I unpacked it, put it on my desk and turned it on, I was thrilled. Seriously beaten, mostly because I didn't expect it to look this good just sitting there.

When we think of speakers, a rectangular shape comes to mind. Therefore, it is a daring step by Amazon to change this (and break from tradition). The spherical shape is not over-inflated as I originally thought. On the contrary, it measures 5.7 inches at the base and 5.2 inches in height. With this two-tone look made from 100% post-consumer recycled fabric that covers most of the speaker, it's a comfortable and charming design that will accentuate any decor.

As usual, there are physical buttons on top of the speaker for volume control, action and microphone mute. Who knows if it's intentional, but the LED light ring around the base of the echo (4th generation) was a brilliant move. Not only does it glow in a pervasive color when I get Alexa, but it fades and pulses in different colors to emphasize Alexa's listening and reactions. The dynamic effect of the LED light ring is even more pronounced when it is placed on reflective surfaces.

A refreshing change that will last a long time.

Amazon put the design on the line and it pays off as a refreshing change that has long been in development. The only complaint I have is that I wish Amazon could just put in an LED display similar to the Echo Dot with a clock, just because it would be nice to be able to tell the time quickly at a glance – instead of asking Alexa .

Adaptive audio for every room

One of the main reasons people buy smart speakers is listening to music, whether leisurely or during a big party. The Amazon Echo (4th generation) does not disappoint in this area. In fact, the Echo line has been known to deliver solid audio by and large. Though, after the Echo Studio last year, Amazon clearly etched a distinctive line that is more of a mid-range offering in terms of audio performance. It's still incredibly capable of calming audiophiles, especially when it uses the same room-resizing technology as the Echo Studio by capturing the acoustics of the room to improve its performance.

Equipped with a 3-inch neodymium woofer and two 0.8-inch tweeters, the audio in the high range is clear and clear thanks to Dolby processing – with a rich bass that compliments it. You can adjust some settings through the Alexa app, e.g. B. Bass, mids, and treble, but I find that they can still sound tense at higher volumes. The lows seem to be affected the most, which puts a little strain on the bass.

The Echo (4th gen) seems just a tiny bit behind the overall performance of the Nest Audio on its own, but it's worth noting that you can pair it with other Echo devices (including smart displays) to enjoy music playback for sync the entire house.

Same old Alexa smart

The Echo wouldn't be what it is today without Alexa, the intelligent assistant that powers the company's many smart home devices. I'll be honest, I don't use Alexa as much as I should as my favorite smart assistant is the Google Assistant. That's because I rely so much on Google's services. That is the logical choice.

After getting to know Alexa again over the past few months with the Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation) and then with the Echo (4th generation), I have a new appreciation for how useful it is as an assistant. First and foremost, it can be seamlessly integrated into Amazon's numerous services. For example, I recently made a purchase on Amazon for these Listerine Pocketmist Sprays. On the day of delivery, I noticed that the LED ring of light on the echo was glowing amber. I didn't know what it meant, however, so I asked Alexa. She told me my order had just delivered before I had a chance to check the notification on my phone.

This is just one of the many examples that show how deeply Alexa is intertwined with Amazon's services. When it comes to controlling the smart home, it can do the same job as the Google Assistant. This, of course, is one of the biggest advantages Alexa has over Google Assistant – as there are far more Alexa-compatible devices than Google Assistant or Siri. While I believe that, in my experience, the Google Assistant is better at responding to questions and requests based on contextual cues, I can't tell you how amused I am to hear Samuel L. Jackson's voice echoing. He's by far the most amusing celebrity voice.

To be honest, Alexa's ability doesn't change with the Echo (4th generation). If you own an older Echo, you won't find anything new here in terms of their capabilities. Downloading more skills will of course expand their functionality, but it's no different from other Alexa-enabled smart speakers and displays.

Help move the sidewalk to more places

It might seem an afterthought to most people, but the Echo (4th generation) is notable for Amazon Sidewalk. This is an addition to the fact that it is also a smart home hub that supports Bluetooth LE and ZigBee. If you have door and window sensors that use these standards, you can set up some of them right from the echo and send commands to them.

The Echo (4th generation) still has a heavy blow to itself and offers wonderful all-round performance.

More importantly, however, it can be used as a sidewalk bridge that helps compatible devices connect. This new low-energy signal has a greater impact on the communication between devices as Amazon Sidewalk becomes more common. Given that bandwidth is a constant problem at home as more and more devices are connected to the Wi-Fi network, Amazon Sidewalk aims to alleviate this congestion and connectivity battle.

What does it all mean? Quite simply, it effectively provides more coverage for compatible devices. The upcoming tile tracker is a perfect example of the reach of Amazon Sidewalk. You can usually find one in close proximity via Bluetooth LE, which is usually no more than several hundred meters away. If you happen to leave it with a friend who happens to have an Echo (4th generation), the tile tracker can still be found when you travel home. This is because the Echo acts as a sidewalk bridge and compatible devices can communicate with it.

This is all new and interesting, but this addition will make Internet of Things devices much easier to communicate with. Even so, the Echo (4th generation) remains a fantastic home hub to control and access all existing smart home devices.

Our opinion

Amazon's gamble to create a new version with its latest Echo smart speaker pays off primarily because the refreshing design is charming, offers an extraordinary audio experience and all the smarts that accompany Alexa. Google's Nest Audio may have the edge when it comes to audio performance, but the Echo (4th generation) still takes a strong punch in its own right and offers great all-round performance. It's priced at $ 100, so it's an important consideration as your next smart speaker. This is especially true if you are heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem.

How long it will take?

Amazon prides itself on the construction of the Echo, which is 50% recycled post-consumer plastics, 100% recycled post-consumer fabrics, and 100% recycled die-cast aluminum. It feels solid and isn't overly heavy either, especially when compared to Google Nest Audio.

There is little concern that something will break, mainly because it will remain stationary. However, a 1 year limited warranty is provided to cover any defects. However, Amazon also offers accident protection against costs.

Is there a better alternative?

Music lovers will prefer Nest Audio's performance for better audio quality. On the other hand, the Amazon Echo Studio is the speaker who decides if you are an audiophile but you pay a heavy cost to pick it up.

It also begs the question of whether smart speakers are a valuable choice when smart displays go into the equation. For the cost of $ 100, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) is hard to miss as it offers a well-rounded package. On the other hand, it lacks some of the added conveniences that smart displays offer. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is a compelling option at a price that more or less depends on whether it's for sale.

Should you buy it?

You bet! Whether you want to upgrade a pre-speaker or expand your existing collection, the Amazon Echo (4th generation) is great value for money – and it looks oh so good with its new spherical design!

Editor's recommendations




02 Oct
Blog

The 50 Best Shows on Amazon Prime Right Now (October 2020)

Last updated: October 1st, 2020.

Amazon Prime Video's library has grown significantly since the service began offering free streaming movies and TV shows to Prime members years ago. What was originally a limited library has grown into a media repository impressive enough to challenge Netflix and Hulu – especially if you own a Fire TV.

If you're looking for a new TV series but aren't sure what is right for you, just browse our list of the best Amazon Prime TV shows available on the service. After all, Amazon Prime offers a lot more than free shipping.

Additional streaming guides

Utopia on Amazon Prime

Utopia

This Amazon Original series follows a group of friends whose obsession with a mysterious comic strip leads them to a deadly conspiracy that includes a pandemic that is rapidly spreading across the country. The series is adapted from the British series of the same name from 2013 and includes, in addition to its talented core cast, Rainn Wilson, John Cusack and Sasha Lane in featured roles. Dark and bloody, Utopia balances its somber, all-too-real themes with loads of surreal, fantastic elements and shocking twists that make things unpredictable as the story progresses.

Created by: Gillian Flynn
Occupation: John Cusack, Ashleigh LaThrop, Dan Byrd, Desmin Borges, Christopher Denham, Javon Walton, Cory Michael Smith, Rainn Wilson and Sasha Lane
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime
Hunter on Amazon Prime

Hunter

Al Pacino makes headlines in the cast of this series that follows a group of Nazi hunters who lived in New York City in 1977 who discovered a plan to create a Fourth Empire in the United States and set about stopping the war criminals' deadly plot . The series marks Pacino's first starring role in a television series, bringing him to Logan Lerman, Jerrika Hinton, Lena Olin, Saul Rubinek, Dylan Baker, Carol Kane, and other familiar faces in the cast of the show, which has been renewed for a second season of Amazon.

Created by: David Weil
Occupation: Al Pacino, Logan Lerman, Jerrika Hinton, Lena Olin, Saul Rubinek, Dylan Baker and Carol Kane
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime
Dino Dana on Amazon Prime

Dino Dana

If you're looking for a family-friendly series for the young dinosaur enthusiast in your household that adults can enjoy too, add Dino Dana to your list of TV must-sees. The popular Amazon Original series is a spin-off of the Dino Dan series, but improves on the original show's formula with better dinosaur effects, clever dialogue, and a diverse cast of characters that both kids and older viewers will love. The series follows a young girl named Dana (Michela Luci) who uses her ability to see dinosaurs in the world around her to conduct "dinosaur experiments" that teach her not only about the above creatures, but often one teach valuable lesson about life. The series currently has three seasons and one feature film, Dino Dana: The Movie, which was released in September.

Created by: J.J. Johnson
Occupation: Michela Luci, Saara Chaudry, Nicola Correia-Damude and Amish Patel
Number of seasons: 3

View on Amazon Prime
Modern love on Amazon Prime

Modern love

A weekly column in the New York Times inspired this romantic comedy anthology series that premiered in 2019 and features an impressive cast of A-list actors across the eight episodes of season one. The series follows various New York City residents as they grapple with the difficulties of finding romance and keeping it alive in modern times. Actors who appear on the half-hour episodes of the series include Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel, John Slattery, Catherine Keener, Cristin Milioti, Sofia Boutella, Ed Sheeran and Judd Hirsch. The series was renewed by Amazon for a second season.

Created by: N / A
Occupation: Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel, Cristin Milioti, Ed Sheeran and Judd Hirsch
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime

Bosch

Titus Welliver plays Los Angeles homicide detective Harry Bosch in this original series from Amazon Studios based on Michael Connelly's novel series. In the first season of the critically acclaimed series, Bosch is on trial for the murder of a serial murder suspect, while simultaneously confronting his past when a cold case involving a missing boy suddenly warms up again. After six well received seasons, Bosch was extended for a seventh and final season in February 2020.

Created by: Eric Overmyer, Daniel Pyne, Michael Connelly, Henrik Bastin, Pieter Jan Brugge, John Mankiewicz
Occupation: Titus Welliver, Annie Wersching and Amy Price-Francis
Number of seasons: 6th

View on Amazon Prime

A very English scandal on Amazon Prime

A very English scandal

This limited series tells the story of Jeremy Thorpe, a MP who was tried and later acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex-lover Norman Scott. The series spans a decade and begins in the 1960s with Thorpe as the youngest leader of the Liberal Party in 100 years. But he is hiding an affair with a man that is still illegal at the time. When his lover Scott threatens to reveal the matter, Thorpe decides on a plan that ultimately exposes the scandal and unearths the dark secrets of the British establishment.

Created by: N / A
Occupation: Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime

30 skirt

This satirical sitcom, created and starred in by Tina Fey, was inspired by her experience as a headwriter for Saturday Night Live. It ran for seven seasons, received a staggering 103 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, and won 16 times over the course of its run. The series follows the showrunner of a sketch comedy series forced to balance the competing interests of its brazen network boss, narcissistic actor, and sensitive writer as it tries to keep her show on air and thrive. In addition to Fey, the series' impressive cast included Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski and Judah Friedlander.

Created by: Tina Fey
Occupation: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan and Alec Baldwin
Number of seasons: 7th

View on Amazon Prime

Victoria

This British series tells the story of the reign of Queen Victoria, who came to the throne at the age of 18 and ruled throughout the United Kingdom at a time of immense change and the rapid expansion of the British Empire. Doctor Who actress Jenna Coleman portrays Victoria. Season one is about her accession to the throne and early relationships with her advisor Lord Melbourne (Rufus Sewell) and the man who would become her husband, Prince Albert (Tom Hughes). So far, three seasons of the series have aired.

Created by: Daisy Goodwin
Occupation: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes and Rufus Sewell
Number of seasons: 3

View on Amazon Prime

Alias

The show that is now truly super creator J.J. Abrams on the Map and star Jennifer Garner, alias, are a sexy, high octane thriller that aired on ABC for five seasons – all available on Amazon Prime. The story follows the super spy Sydney Bristow in her adventures and battles against shady intelligence agencies along with her own crazy family. Alias ​​is famous for exaggerated characters, witty disguises and mind-blowing twists. Alternatively, he is in a good mood, funny and provocatively dark.

Created by:: J.J. Abrams
Occupation: Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber and Mia Maestro
Number of seasons: 5

View on Amazon Prime

Psych

James Roday plays a crime advisor for the Santa Barbara Police Department in this popular comedy series in which Roday's character pretends to be psychological as he uses his heightened observation skills and eidetic memory to help the agency solve difficult cases. Dulé Hill plays the brilliant best friend of Roday's character, who becomes his reluctant business partner after the couple are repeatedly embroiled in local cases. The series developed over eight seasons and also spawned a few television films.

Created by: Steve Franks
Occupation: James Roday, Dulé Hill and Corbin Bernsen
Number of seasons: 8th

View on Amazon Prime

monk

As an eight-time Emmy Award winner, Monk casts Tony Shalhoub as private detective Adrian Monk, who supports the homicide division of the San Francisco Police Department in various cases. His strong deductive skills are only matched by his myriad phobias, which – along with his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – make his work with police investigators difficult. The series ended its eight-season run in 2009 with a finale that revealed one of the series' longest-running puzzles.

Created by: David Hoberman
Occupation: Tony Shalhoub, Traylor Howard and Ted Levine
Number of seasons: 8th

View on Amazon Prime

House

Over the course of eight seasons, actor Hugh Laurie transformed the indescribable Dr. Gregory House into one of pop culture's best-known doctors in this medical drama that became one of the world's most popular shows during its run. The series followed Dr. House when he used his unique discoveries to diagnose mysterious diseases while battling his own addictions. Laurie's unconventional medical genius was the show's title star, but his supporting role played a huge role in making House one of the highest rated series in the U.S. between 2004 and 2012.

Created by: David Shore
Occupation: Hugh Laurie, Lisa Edelstein and Robert Sean Leonard
Number of seasons: 8th

View on Amazon Prime

Catastrpohe, an Amazon Prime Original

catastrophe

One of Amazon's most popular original series, Catastrophe follows two unlikely parents after a weekend tryst turns into a lifelong commitment. Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney write and star in this series as the Irish woman and Boston Ad Exec who have a hot affair in London only to accidentally get pregnant. Despite the disaster, they decide to get it working. Delaney and Horgan are both outstanding and well-meaning, deeply spirited people who are desperately trying to make the most of this new life that they haven't really chosen.

Created by: Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan
Occupation: Rob Delaney, Sharon Horgan
Number of seasons: 4th

View on Amazon Prime

Upload to Amazon Prime

Upload

In 2033, people who are close to death can be "uploaded" to virtual reality for the life of their choice. These VR afterlives are run by six tech companies who are running a new type of corporate competition for human death. When the Los Angeles party boy Nathan (Robbie Amell) self-driving car crashes, his girlfriend uploads him to the luxurious digital life after Lakeview's death. There he meets Nora, a customer service representative from Lakeview, who brings Nathan into his version of heaven. The series follows their friendship as Nathan gets used to living far from loved ones, while Nora balances her connection with virtual Nathan with her real-world financial and personal struggles.

Created by: Greg Daniels
Occupation: Robbie Amell, Andy Allo and Chris Williams
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime

Stories from the loop on Amazon Prime

Stories from the loop

Inspired by the futuristic paintings and designs of the Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag, this Amazon original series focuses on a small rural town where people live via “The Loop”, a machine built to unlock and unlock the secrets of the universe explore. Duncan Joiner and Rebecca Hall star in this drama that aims to make science fiction seem more real than ever.

Created by: Nathaniel Halpern
Occupation: Duncan Joiner, Rebecca Williams
Number of seasons: 1

View on Amazon Prime

Good omen

This six-part series is a co-production by BBC Studios and Amazon Studios and adapts the fantasy novel of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The series follows an angel and a demon played by Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex) and David Tennant (Doctor Who), whose comfortable life on earth is threatened by the impending apocalypse. The couple must unite to prevent the rise of the Antichrist and a war between heaven and hell.

The series' impressive cast is complemented by Jon Hamm, Michael McKean, Miranda Richardson, Adria Arjona, Nick Offerman, Jack Whitehall, and other familiar faces. Like the book that inspired it, the series is full of quirky, disrespectful humor that filters both human history and biblical mythology through its clever lens.

Created by: Neil Gaiman
Occupation: Michael Sheen, David Tennant
Number of seasons: 1

Comrade detective

In the 1980s, as the Cold War warmed, American pop culture produced an abundance of films that portrayed the fears and patriotism of the era: films like Red Dawn or the 1985s lesser-known Invasion USA (starring Chuck Norris). Comrade Detective picks up the aesthetics of 80s action cinema and filters it through a (sardonic) communist lens after two Romanian detectives investigate a conspiracy by Western imperialists to undermine the communist order.

The show – framed as the current show from Romania and dubbed in English with voices from actors like Channing Tatum and Joseph-Gordon Levitt – opens with detective Gregor Anghel (a die-hard cop who plays by his own rules but gets results) and his partner who wrecks drug dealers just for a sniper to shoot Anghel's partner. In revenge, Anghel and his new partner Iosif Baciu hunt down the killer and stumble upon a conspiracy of international proportions. Comrade Detective is an odd show even by the inventive standards of modern television, a parody wrapped in a layer of faux authenticity, but its strange charms are worth watching.

Created by: Brian Gatewood
Occupation: Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jenny Slate
Number of seasons: 1

The wonderful Mrs. Maisel

If you want to see a star being born, stop what you're doing and immerse yourself in Rachel Brosnahan's work as Miriam "Midge" Maisel in the 1950s comedy Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Midge is a housewife who pursues a career in standup comedy after her husband Joe Maisel (Michael Zegen) unexpectedly left her.

After a drunk, impromptu, mile-long stand-up set that ends with Midge's arrest, die-hard event clerk Susie Myerson (Alex Borstein) takes Midge under her wing in hopes of sculpting a diamond in the rough. The show has won numerous awards and is on track for a fourth season.

Created by: Amy Sherman-Palladino
Occupation: Rachel Brosnahan, Alex Borstein, Michael Zegen
Number of seasons: 3

The tick

People who watched Fox in the early 2000s may have vague memories of a short-lived superhero sitcom called The Tick (based on the comic book of the same name), in which a blue-clad superhero of the iconic Patrick Warburton tackled awkward situations. Amazon's The Tick is a new adaptation of the franchise with no Warburton in sight (he was just as disappointed as we were), but it maintains the comic's absurd, upbeat sense of humor.

The show follows a superhero named The Tick (Peter Serafinowicz) and his companion Arthur (Griffin Newman) as they fight crime and investigate a conspiracy involving a notorious supervillain named The Terror (Jackie Earle Haley). The tick is an upbeat palate cleaner after years of boring superhero stories, even if it only lasted two seasons before the cancellation.

Created by: Ben Edlund
Occupation: Peter Serafinowicz, Griffin Newman and Jackie Earle Haley
Number of seasons: 2

Fleabag

Sometimes introspective and moody, sometimes absurd and raunchy, Fleabag defies simple categorization. In its funnier moments – like the intro, a sleek, drawn out monologue that ends in a sudden whiff of a sex joke – it's one of the hottest comedies (season 2 won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2019), but underneath it runs all a stream of sadness. The show follows a woman known only as "Fleabag" (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who Emmys took home to act and write herself), a neurotic woman who juggles a failing business and a disastrous personal life.

The term flea sack immediately conjures up images of dirt and the protagonist's problems go deeper than her name. Selfish, wanton, and a compulsive liar, she fits in with the various anti-heroes that have become popular on television. What is unique is that Fleabag does not keep its damaged lead at a distance. In hectic monologues, she often speaks directly to the viewer and offers insights into her restless mind.

Created by: Phoebe Waller Bridge
Occupation: Phoebe Waller Bridge, Ben Aldridge, Sian Clifford
Number of seasons: 2

A Mississippi

The death of a loved one doesn't seem like the most promising start to a comedy series, but One Mississippi is far from conventional. The show, with comedian Tig Notaro as a fictionalized version of herself, takes up several tragedies in her real life. The fictional Tig, who still suffers from breast cancer, returns to her Mississippi hometown to see her mother get a life support and decides to stay and reconnect with her stepfather and brother. Despite the depressing first chapter, One Mississippi is not a relentless drama. The show balances sadness and joy in equal measure and examines the long up and down process of trauma and recovery.

Created by: Tig Notaro, Diablo Cody
Occupation: Tig Notaro, Noah Harpster, John Rothman
Number of seasons: 2

Transparent

Transparent is a groundbreaking original series straight from Amazon and follows Maura Pfefferman (Jeffrey Tambor), a transgender woman who comes to live with her family. The show is not content with just presenting a novel premise, but rather examines the relationships and neuroses of Maura and her children. A show that never wavers when it comes to breaking down the depths of the human condition. It's a bold offer from Amazon. Transparent is also the first show by a streaming service to win a Golden Globe for best series, which is likely a good sign for the future of Amazon's original content.

The harassment allegations made against Tambor have dampened the show's legacy, and the actor hasn't returned for the final season of Transparent, but it's a special show nonetheless. Well worth seeing just the finale of the music series.

Created by: Joey Soloway
Occupation: Jeffrey Tambor, Judith Light, Gaby Hoffmann and Jay Duplass
Number of seasons: 5

View on Amazon Prime

Downton Abbey

Located in the English countryside shortly after the turn of the 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the life of the aristocratic Crawley family and their hierarchy of servants. Downton Abbey offers a fascinating look at the early modern age of English aristocracy, skillfully balancing historical drama with the steamy character-based conflicts that exist within the family and staff.

Created by: Julian Fellows
Occupation: Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael and Jim Carter
Number of seasons: 6th

Red oaks

Red Oaks doesn't offer much length. While you can easily spend the entire three seasons in a single weekend, the casual pace is better for fast guessing. Set in the 1980s, the show revolves around a young tennis player (Craig Roberts) who decides to work at the exclusive Red Oaks Country Club during the summer between his sophomore and sophomore year. What follows is a warm and hearty nod to the sex comedies that have been a staple of this decade. With dry humor and a solid ensemble Ennis Esmer As the hilarious professional tennis player Nash, Red Oaks rises above the ruggedness to create characters you really care about.

Created by: Gregory Jacobs, Joe Gangemi
Occupation: Craig Roberts, Jennifer Gray and Paul Reiser
Number of seasons: 3

Jack Ryan

Tom Clancy's "Ryanverse" franchise makes the leap from film to television with this spy thriller, which premiered in 2018, and casts John Krasinski as the eponymous CIA analyst who investigates one far-reaching international threat after another. Lost co-creator Carlton Cuse acts along with Krasinski and Michael Bay (among others) as co-creator and executive producer of the Amazon Original series. The show has had two well-received seasons so far, with a third in preparation.

Created by: Graham Roland, Carlton Cuse
Occupation: John Krasinski, Abbie Cornish and Wendell Pierce
Number of seasons: 2

Homecoming

Julia Roberts in an Amazon Original? Believe it. Homecoming was nominated for three Golden Globes, including the Best Drama Series. It's a slow burn of mysterious government programs, complicated bureaucracy, and characters you can never trust. In season one, this science fiction / drama introduces us to Homecoming, a facility that helps soldiers transition into civilian life. Under Heidi (Roberts) leadership, her mission appears to be a noble one, and soldiers seem to really benefit from the program. The show follows a split schedule, however, and when Heidi starts answering questions from the Department of Defense years after the facility closed, it becomes clear that there was a lot more going on at higher pay levels than she'd ever realized. The just released second season features a new cast of characters (some returning but not Roberts) and storylines that revolve around Janelle Monae's character who wakes up in the middle of nowhere, confused about her identity, with the same sinister organization as the first Season clear to no good.

Created by: Micah Bloomberg, Eli Horowitz
Occupation: Julia Roberts, Bobby Cannavale, Shea Whigham and Janelle Monae
Number of seasons: 2

Suits

When college dropout Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) interviews for a position as a lawyer, he immediately impresses the team and is offered the job – despite never having a technical degree. The length he and those who know the truth are doing to keep this a secret not only from customers but from many people in the company is at the heart of the first season. But each episode deals with different cases, mostly with high net worth clients and the lines the company's lawyers are willing to cross to win. It holds your typical legal drama themes of corporate greed and bloated egos, and storylines can sometimes repeat themselves by a few seasons later. But the fabulous cast, which also includes Gabriel Macht, Rick Hoffman, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, and now Britain's Queen Meghan Markle makes it a worthwhile watch. The series aired for nine seasons and ended in 2019 (Adams and Markle didn't appear in the final season), all of which are now streamed.

Created by: Aaron Korsh
Occupation: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Megina Markle, Gina Torres
Number of seasons: 9

View on Amazon Prime

Sneaky Pete

Amazon's original series, Sneaky Pete, turns a complicated case of identity theft into a suspenseful drama. Marius Josipovic (Giovanni Ribisi) is a recently released fraudster who takes on the identity of his former cellmate Pete Murphy, who spoiled him for years with childhood stories from his close-knit family (whom he hadn't seen since childhood) ) and their surety business. The show shines thanks to its cast of critically acclaimed actors including Margo Martindale of The Americans, but the core of its brilliance lies in the clever writing. Check out all three seasons that complete the series since it was canceled in 2019.

Created by: Bryan Cranston, David Shore
Occupation: Giovanni Ribisi, Marin Ireland, Margo Martindale
Number of seasons: 3

Hannibal

FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) struggles to catch serial killers while he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown in this surreal psychological thriller based on characters from the best-selling Thomas Harris novels. His therapist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), is a serial killer himself with dark designs for Will. As their friendship deepens, Will finds himself at the center of a symphony of violence.

Showrunner Bryan Fuller (the man behind Pushing Daisies and the first season of American Gods, and creator of Star Trek: Discovery) breathes new life into the franchise with art-house cinematography and a terrifyingly charismatic performance by Mikkelson. It was one of the greatest shows on network television when it first aired on NBC, but the direction and set design turn the violence into some of the most exquisite imagery you'll see on the small screen.

Created by: Bryan Fuller
Occupation: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen and Laurence Fishburne
Number of seasons: 3

The American

It's 1981, President Ronald Reagan has just been elected, and like most Americans, Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys) are enjoying the country's growing prosperity as the Cold War intensifies. However, unlike most Americans, the Jennings are actually KGB spies.

From this unique premise emerges one of the most exciting thrillers on the air today. The political intrigue is exciting, but what sets Americans apart is their focus on the Jennings marriage. In examining the tensions in married life, the show shows that personal issues like spousal conflicts can be just as exciting as geopolitical maneuvers.

Created by: Joseph Weisberg
Occupation: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys and Holly Taylor
Number of seasons: 6th

Undo on Amazon Prime

Cancel

From the creators of BoJack Horseman, Undone is an Amazon original series that tells the complex journey of a young woman to solve the mystery of her father's death and uncover the keys to her past. Undone is a genre-setting animated series in which Alma Winograd-Diaz (Rosa Salazar) falls apart at the seams after an almost fatal accident conjures up visions of her late father Jacob. The persistent visions begin to unlock a mysterious ability that enables her to move through space and time with the ultimate goal of stopping his untimely death.

Created by: Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Kate Purdy
Occupation: Rosa Salazar, Angelique Cabral and Bob Odenkirk
Number of seasons: 1

Mr. Robot

With information technology creeping into every aspect of life, one cannot help but keep a watchful eye at the people who control the technology (companies, government agencies). The modern world sometimes seems to be the prelude to a cyberpunk dystopia, at least the way Mr. Robot portrays it. The show follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a paranoid security engineer who, in addition to his daily job for a massive corporation, carries out vigilant hacker attacks himself.

When Elliot is courted by a mysterious activist hacker known as "Mr. Robot, ”he has the chance to use his skills for more than just minor justice. Mr. Robot has a grand scheme to overthrow society, and Alderson could play a key role. Mr. Robot is a cyber thriller with a keen sense of the technology it represents, but don't confuse technical accuracy with realism – the show plunges headfirst into a rabbit hole of paranoia and espionage, with a plot that evokes the perception of the Constantly challenges the viewer.

Created by: Sam Esmail
Occupation: Rami Malek, Christian Slater and Carly Chaikin
Number of seasons: 4th

Poldark

After three years of fighting in the American Revolution, Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) returns to his home in Cornwall, England to find his estate in ruins and his mistress Elizabeth (Heida Reed) is married to his cousin. When Ross tries to rebuild his family's tin mines, he rescues a young woman named Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) and gives her a job as a maid. Ross, his rival George Warleggan, an ambitious industrialist, complicates Ross even more.

Basierend auf einer Reihe von Romanen des 20. Jahrhunderts bewegt sich diese Adaption von Poldark in einem zügigen Tempo, das einer modernen Show angemessen ist, und jongliert geschickt mit Romantik, Action und politischem Manövrieren.

Erstellt von: Debbie Horsfield
Besetzung: Aiden Turner, Heida Reed und Eleanor Tomlinson
Anzahl der Jahreszeiten: 5

Hanna auf Amazon Prime

Hanna

Esme Creed-Miles spielt die Titelfigur, einen jungen Teenager, der isoliert in einem abgelegenen Wald in Polen mit einem Mann namens Erik (Joel Kinnaman) aufgewachsen ist, der mit ihr der CIA entkommen ist. Sie war Teil eines Programms namens UTRAX, bei dem Kindern verbesserte DNA gegeben wurde, um Supersoldaten zu werden. Aber als Erik sich in Hannas Mutter verliebte, floh er mit ihr, um das junge Mädchen zu beschützen. Basierend auf dem gleichnamigen Film von 2011, der als „grobkörnige Neuinterpretation“ bezeichnet wird, folgt die zweite Staffel Hanna auf ihrer Reise, jetzt wo sie weiß, wer und was sie ist. Sie entdeckt auch, dass UTRAX nach ihrer Flucht nie wirklich heruntergefahren wurde und dass es andere „Schwestern“ wie sie geben könnte.

Erstellt von: David Farr
Besetzung: Esme Creed-Miles, Mireille Enos und Joel Kinnaman
Anzahl der Jahreszeiten: 2

View on Amazon Prime

Die jungen

Von allen Superheldenfilmen und Fernsehsendungen, die es gibt, ist keiner ganz wie The Boys, eine dunkle, verdorbene Dekonstruktion von Helden und Bösewichten mit Superkräften. Basierend auf der gleichnamigen Comic-Serie von Garth Ennis und Darick Robertson folgt The Boys einer Gruppe von Wächtern, die es sich zur Aufgabe machen, die übermächtigen Helden zu überwachen, die ihre Fähigkeiten missbrauchen und das Vertrauen nutzen, das die Öffentlichkeit ihnen entgegengebracht hat .

Die Serie ist ebenso grimmig und schockierend gewalttätig wie klug und spielt in einer Welt, in der Supermächte, Unternehmensgier und Medienkonsolidierung zusammengewachsen sind, um eine besonders beängstigende Form der Korruption zu schaffen. Das Publikum sieht alles mit den Augen von Hughie, einem durchschnittlichen Mann, dessen zufällige Begegnung mit einem Superhelden sein Leben für immer verändert.

Erstellt von: Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Eric Kripke
Besetzung: Jack Quaid, Elisabeth Shue, Jessie T. Usher, Karl Urban, Antony Starr und Erin Moriarty
Anzahl der Jahreszeiten: 2

Farscape

Diese Kult-Lieblingsserie, die 1999 uraufgeführt wurde, folgt einem modernen Astronauten, der auf seiner zufälligen Reise durch ein Wurmloch der farbenfrohen Crew eines lebenden Raumschiffs in einer unbekannten Region fernab der Erde beitritt. Auf der Flucht vor einer mächtigen Streitmacht, die als Friedenstruppen bekannt ist, versuchen er und die Besatzung, in einer seltsamen Galaxie Zuflucht – und einen Weg nach Hause – zu finden. Die preisgekrönte Serie ist eine Produktion von The Jim Henson Company und enthält mehrere Charaktere, die vom Creature Shop des Unternehmens erstellt wurden. Auf den Vier-Jahreszeiten-Lauf der Show folgte eine dreistündige Miniserie, die die Geschichte abschloss und eine lange Liste von Spin-off-Geschichten in Romanen, Comics und anderen Formaten inspirierte.

Erstellt von: Rockne S. O’Bannon
Besetzung: Ben Browder, Claudia Black und Anthony Simcoe
Anzahl der Jahreszeiten: 4

Philip K. Dicks elektrische Träume

Sie könnten dies den Black Mirror von Amazon Prime nennen, und Sie würden sich nicht irren. The Show ist eine Anthologie-Science-Fiction-Serie, die auf Geschichten des verstorbenen Science-Fiction-Schriftstellers Philip K. Dick basiert, dessen Arbeit Blade Runner und die Amazon-Serien The Man in the High Castle inspirierte. In der ersten Staffel von Electric Dreams geht es um injizierbares Bewusstsein, Gedankenleser, durch Roboter ersetzte Menschen und einen genozidalen Präsidentschaftskandidaten, um nur einige zu nennen.

Der Produktionswert ist beeindruckend: Hidden Figures und die Moonlight-Schauspielerin Janelle Monae spielen einen künstlich intelligenten Roboter in einem Metallanzug, der überzeugend realistisch aussieht. Wie Black Mirror beschäftigt auch die Science-Fiction-Serie von Amazon einige große Stars, darunter Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi und Anna Paquin. Diejenigen, die nach einer packenden Dosis dunklen Science-Fiction suchen, werden sie hier definitiv finden.

Erstellt von: N / A
Besetzung: Geraldine Chaplin, Steve Buscemi und Richard Madden
Anzahl der Jahreszeiten: 1

Die Weite

Stellen Sie sich eine Zukunft vor, in der Menschen jeden Teil des Sonnensystems kolonisiert haben. The Expanse verwandelt diese hypothetische Zukunft in ein kraftvolles Science-Fiction-Drama. Die Serie spielt in 200 Jahren und dreht sich um eine Verschwörung, die die Menschheit auszulöschen droht. Don’t let the CGI effects and space setting fool you, The Expanse is a riveting drama that tackles the nuances of human conflict in a way that rivals shows like Game of Thrones and Westworld. Here’s a list of the best sci-fi movies on Amazon if you’re looking for more like this.

Created by: N/A
Cast: Thomas Jane, Steven Strait, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper
Number of seasons: 4

The Man in the High Castle

World War II seems to be the most common source for the “What if?” scenario in fiction. The Man in the High Castle, based on Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, starts with the premise that not only did the Axis powers win the war, but they also occupied the United States afterward, with Imperial Japan governing the West Coast and the Nazis controlling the territory east of the Rockies.

The show follows a few different characters living in different regions as they try to endure the occupation and simultaneously investigate a mysterious film reel that depicts an alternate universe where the Allies actually won the war. Dick was a true visionary author, and The Man in the High Castle captures the otherworldly, authoritarian nature of the world he imagined. Rich with intrigue and superb direction, The Man in the High Castle is an exciting thriller. The series wrapped up its impressive run with November 2019’s season 4.

Created by: Frank Spotnitz
Cast: Alex Davalos, Luke Kleintank, Geoffery Blake, Rupert Evans, Luke Kleintank
Number of seasons: 4

Orphan Black

In this critically acclaimed Canadian series, a young woman named Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) has a chance encounter with a woman who looks just like her. This sets Sarah down a path to discovering that she is one of several clones who have been created as part of an ongoing experiment. Soon, she is at odds with the corporation that created her, and a mysterious organization that wants to get rid of her. It’s a fast-paced thriller that takes the time to explore themes of self-identity and bioethics. And Maslany does a beautifully captivating job of playing several clones, each of whom has very a distinct personality, mannerisms, and style. Her performance alone, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2016, is worth watching, with the fascinating story surrounding it as icing on the cake.

Created by: Graeme Manson, John Fawcett
Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Jordan Gavaris, Dylan Bruce
Number of seasons: 5

Vikings

For those who enjoy the political maneuvering and messy military battles of Game of Thrones but want something a bit more grounded, Vikings is sure to please. A down-to-earth historical fantasy saga, Vikings chronicles the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) from farmer to legendary warrior. Ragnar sails around Northern Europe searching for plunder, accompanied by his warrior wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and other allies.

It’s a grim series, drawing on the legends surrounding Viking raids in the Middle Ages. Although not the most historically accurate show, Vikings does maintain a grittier aesthetic than some of its fantasy contemporaries; there’s a lot of blood and a lot of mud.

Created by: Michael Hirst
Cast: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig
Number of seasons: 6

American Horror Story

The horror anthology that is Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, though novel, continues to surpass expectations with every passing season. Each essentially functions as a self-contained miniseries, focusing on a repertory cast of characters and a storyline that features its own beginning, middle, and end.

Each season — whether it revolves around a coven of witches, an insane asylum, or a haunted house in the middle of Los Angeles — features lavish set pieces and campy aesthetics, both of which add to sterling performances from the likes of Lady Gaga and the award-winning Jessica Lange. Many of the seasons even take a jab at current social issues, and they often leave a weird and wonderful impression. Well, that, and an awful taste in your mouth.

Created by: Ryan Murphy
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Jennifer Lange, Kathy Bates, Connie Britton, Dylan McDermott, Evan Peters
Number of seasons: 8th

Star Trek: The Original Series

A groundbreaking science fiction series from writer Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek follows the crew of the Enterprise as they travel the universe on a mission of peace and exploration. Starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy in the roles that launched them into stardom, the series is a cornerstone of television history. Each episode explores timeless philosophical and social ideas.

Star Trek was also famous for incorporating an ethnically diverse cast in the politically tumultuous ’60s, making it a show that was far ahead of its time. Roddenberry envisioned a future where humanity would bring its very best traits and ideals out into the universe, and the show shares his boundless idealism. The primitive special effects can make Star Trek seem a bit cheesy to the modern eye, but even its most inept action scenes have a certain bizarre charm to them.

Created by: Gene Rodenberry
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley
Number of seasons: 3

Shaun the Sheep

From Aardman Studios — the creators of Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run, and Creature Comforts — comes the children’s series Shaun the Sheep. Shaun is a sheep who doesn’t follow the herd. In fact, he often brazenly leads them into all sorts of madcap shenanigans around Mossy Bottom Farm. The show also features the iconic studio’s stop-motion animation and remains free of dialogue, which is actually a welcome reprieve for parents who simply can’t get on board with the high-pitched voices and exuberant makeup of many modern children’s shows.

Created by: Nick Park
Cast: John Sparkes, Justin Fletcher, Richard Webber
Number of seasons: 6

Tumble Leaf

Tumble Leaf, Amazon’s heralded foray into the realm of children’s programming, is a stunning example of what a children’s show should be. The recent stop-motion title is based on the short film Miro and aimed at preschool-aged children, though it remains charming enough to entertain adults who want to further engage with their children.

Each episode follows Fig the Fox (Christopher Downs) and his science-centric escapades around the whimsical world of Tumble Leaf, a woodland locale laced with a melange of quirky creatures with whom Fig is friends. Together, the humanoid creatures discover how reflections, shadows, and other facets of our natural world work, examining the value of friendship and kindness as they do so. The scenery is as vibrant and colorful as are the characters, rendering it both eye candy and a conversation starter.

Created by: Drew Hodges
Cast: Christopher Downs, Zac McDowell, Alex Trugman
Number of seasons: 4

Sesame Street

Sesame Street is a veritable institution. The show, which has spanned 50 seasons and won more awards than many of its young viewers could count, takes place on an urban street where humans and Jim Henson’s Muppets interact. The show also includes short animation and live-action films, pictures, and songs. It was the first children’s show to use educational goals and a curriculum to shape its content, and as such, it has taught millions of viewers around the globe about the importance of relationships, ethics, and emotions. Plus, you know, the ABCs.

Created by: Joan Ganz Cooney, Lloyd Morrisett
Cast: Various
Number of seasons: 50 (4 currently available on Amazon)

Xploration DIY Sci

Science teacher Steve Spangler hosts this Emmy-nominated series that uses fascinating experiments you can try at home to explore scientific concepts such as the powerful potential of fluids and gases, as well as the secrets behind some magic tricks and seemingly complicated energy systems. Each episode tackles a different theme using everyday items to conduct the experiments, making it a truly family-friendly experience that breaks down complex concepts into simple (but occasionally messy) lessons.

Created by: Steve Spangler
Cast: Steve Spangler
Number of seasons: 3

The Grand Tour

For years, the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond drove cool cars and clowned around with each other on the BBC’s Top Gear. Despite their departure from that series, however, the good times keep rolling on The Grand Tour, which reunites the three snarky hosts for a show that is very similar in format to Top Gear. Episodes often feature studio segments and test drives on the show’s test track, the “Eboladrome.”

As with Top Gear, the best episodes are the ones where the hosts venture to foreign lands, testing unique vehicles on unfamiliar terrain. For car enthusiasts or Top Gear fans not satisfied by that show’s new hosts, The Grand Tour is a welcome return to form.

Created by: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May, Andy Wilman
Cast: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May
Number of seasons: 4

Mozart in the Jungle, on Amazon Prime

Mozart in the Jungle

One of Amazon’s first original series was created by Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, and Alex Timbers, and stars Gael García Bernal, Malcolm McDowell, and Bernadette Peters as luminaries in the modern classical music scene. Not a bad get for the platform’s first show. Bernal stars as Rodrigo, the brash new conductor of the New York Symphony Orchestra, whose style clashes with the more straight-laced symphony benefactors behind the scenes. However, his talent is undeniable, and as he strikes up a friendship with an up-and-coming oboist (Lola Kirke), it becomes clear that the two of them can bring out the best in each other.

Created by: N/A
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Lola Kirke, Malcolm McDowell, Bernadette Peters
Number of seasons: 4

Animal Kingdom

Based on the 2010 Australian movie of the same name by David Michod, this 2016 series debuted on TNT in 2016 and continues to air, with its fifth season being released last summer. Follow the story of “J,” a teenage boy who moves in with his extended family after his mother dies. But they aren’t baking cookies and taking trips to the beach — they just so happen to be running a criminal enterprise. Finn Cole stars as Joshua “J” Cody and Ellen Barkin as Janine “Smurf” Cody, his grandmother, and the family matriarch whom he eventually tries to challenge for leadership.

Created by: Jonathan Lisco
Cast: Finn Cole, Shawn Hatosy, Ellen Barkin
Number of seasons: 4

View on Amazon Prime

Editor's recommendations




04 Sep
Blog

Samsung HW-Q800T Review: Amazon Alexa, Can You Say Wow?

Samsung Q800T soundbar

"The Q800T offers great sound, smart home connectivity and loads of convenience."

  • Easy setup

  • Built-in Amazon Alexa

  • Impressive low end

  • Support Dolby Atmos and DTS: X

  • No rear speakers

  • Several Samsung TV exclusive features

The race for the soundbar's sweet spot is on. Vizio may have had a head start over the past few years in making sound bars that offer great audio and functionality at a manageable price. But LG, Samsung, and others are hot on the heels of Vizio.

Samsung's new HW-Q800T soundbar, a 3.1.2 system with built-in Amazon Alexa, appears to be a competitor at $ 750. The proof, however, lies in the performance. So let's see what the latest version of Samsung is made of.

design

The Q800T has similar dimensions to several other soundbars I've tested in this price range. The length of 38.6 inches and the height of 2.4 inches is very close to the LG SN7Y and the Sony HT-G700. For some reason this seems to be the agreed size for midrange drivers.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Actually, there's a reason for these long bars – and a good one at that. With Dolby Atmos firmly entrenched as the buzzword for home audio, these companies need to add more drivers to the compact body that is their standard soundbar. The Q800T has drivers that represent each channel of the typical sound stage from left to right and right, as well as drivers that provide the height channels of its 3.1.2 setup. So yes, bars of this size are warranted.

The included wireless subwoofer is pretty hefty at 21.6 pounds, slightly dwarfing the smaller woofers from LG (17 pounds) and Sony (16 pounds). Four or five pounds of difference might not sound like much, but it matters for reasons that I'll explain later in this review.

This package does not include rear speakers. However, you can buy a $ 130 pair from Samsung to complete your surround sound setup. As much as I want to be able to run this slide, the traditional theater snob in me has to point out that ideally, $ 750 worth of equipment should arrive with rocking rear speakers. Granted, you can technically spend more and still get less – the $ 799 you'd spend on a Sonos Arc will only blow you away (no subwoofer or wireless surround speakers), though that may not be the fairest comparison with all coming features is with a Sonos product. At the same time, Vizio's incredibly powerful 5.1.4 soundbar system lets you spend $ 700 less and score more from a component standpoint.

This Samsung device is anything but a thorn in the side and should blend in well with most rooms.

Aesthetically, I don't have much to say about the Q800T, and that's certainly not a bad thing. If you're an avid reader, you know that my colleagues and I generally work with soundbars under a "Low Profile is a Good Profile" motto. The Q800T is the epitome of this, a black bar with a corresponding black subwoofer, which is only distinguished by its size in a room. I might prefer the sleeker finish on this year's LG bars, but that's a matter of personal preference. This Samsung device is anything but a thorn in the side and should blend in well with most rooms.

configuration

By now, most sound bar manufacturers have cut the fat out of the set up process and reduced it to a fairly straightforward plug and play process where literally all you have to do to get up and running is your bar and To power your sub. Then add the connection from your display to your soundbar. In that regard, the Q800T is no different from a similar product I tested this year.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

All in all, I had the Q800T crank out the disgustingly loud theme song from The Office within 10 minutes of opening the box, and it only took that long because I had to be careful unpacking the review unit. I assume the average person, who may not have to worry about maintaining the structural integrity of the packaging, can get their Q800T back in half that time.

If you want, you can wrap the setup right there. However, since this is a network soundbar, it's worth downloading the Samsung SmartThings app on your mobile device and taking the time to connect your bar to Wi-Fi and link your Amazon and Spotify accounts. Trust me, even if you don't see the point of this soundbar on your network yet, it's worth the extra step.

I will notice a small hiccup I had during the setup process, although this was mainly due to user error. I turned on the subwoofer in front of the soundbar and left the subwoofer's automatic pairing function aimlessly looking for a soundbar that was virtually nonexistent. After powering the bar, I had to go back and follow Samsung's directions to manually pair the sub. The moral of the story here is to get your soundbar up and running before turning on the sub. Hopefully I'm making these simple mistakes so you don't have to.

links

Before I discuss the Q800T's connections, I want to confirm that I am about to sound like a broken record but will move on anyway. Like so many bars before and probably so many, the Q800T doesn't have a sufficient number of HDMI ports. It's not something I can officially hold against soundbars right now as it has been proven common practice in the industry, but you should get multiple capable connections when spending that kind of money.

Samsung Q800T soundbar remote controlNick Woodard / Digital Trends

Now that I've got that mini-rant out of the way, the Q800T has an HDMI input and a corresponding HDMI output with the bonus of eARC. There's also a single optical input which, while useful in some cases, should put the HDMI option in the background if possible. Visually, it limits the audio format you can experience, while HDMI supports all of the 3D sound your ears can handle.

The Q800T has built-in Bluetooth that allows you to easily pair your mobile device and stream music. However, depending on your situation, it is usually better to stream audio into the bar over WiFi to eliminate the failure and quality issues that can affect a Bluetooth connection. The Q800T goes one step further thanks to its built-in Amazon Alexa integration. Asking the soundbar to play music was as rational as possible, and the voice assistant seemed decently responsive to my commands, even when music was playing from the bar.

Being in an environment with other connected smart devices can also improve your viewing experience. I routinely asked my soundbar to turn on the TV, selected a YouTube video to broadcast to the TV, and adjusted the volume accordingly with another voice command. No remote controls were required.

Asking the soundbar to play music was as rational as possible, and the voice assistant seemed decently responsive to my commands, even when music was playing from the bar.

There are some connection options that are unique to Samsung TVs and mobile devices. You can technically connect the Q800T to a Samsung TV via WiFi, although I must imagine a wired connection is more reliable. Samsung mobile devices have an option called "Tap Sound" that allows you to tap the top of the soundbar with your device to play the content. That sounds like a decent, if somewhat unnecessary, benefit, and I didn't have a Samsung device on hand to test this out.

Sound quality

I'm not going to dance around here: the Q800T sounds very good. This may seem like an easy judgment, but don't be fooled – there's a lot that went into this five-word conclusion.

Samsung Q800T soundbarNick Woodard / Digital Trends

First, it's important to consider all of the audio features built into this bar. The Q800T features Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology, which the company says mixes the sound to create the impression that it is "right where the action is on the screen." This works well in conjunction with the bar's Dolby Atmos and DTS: X support, not to mention the Q800T's various sound modes (Surround Sound Expansion, Game Pro, Standard, and Adaptive). Incidentally, of these sound modes, I opted for Adaptive, which, according to Samsung, should optimize the sound for each scene. There have been a few movies where I had to turn up the volume for quiet moments with little dialogue and then quickly climb down when louder action was introduced. But for the most part, Adaptive seemed to be the most useful of the modes.

When all of these functions are tied together, the resulting sound is truly outstanding when you watch movies and TV. The bar provided a wider soundstage than I thought possible and helped create an experience that was just below real surround sound but still had a reasonably inclusive effect. The subwoofer almost stole the show and produced some of the best low-end songs I've heard from a soundbar woofer this year. In films like The Lighthouse, where sound plays such an important role in dictating the tone of the story, it really added depth to the audio and rocked scenes like one from Capone when a deteriorating mob boss was played insane by Tom Hardy rattles rounds from his golden machine gun.

After the tragic news of Chadwick Boseman's death, I queued some standout Marvel products such as Black Panther and Avengers: Endgame to allay my grief and test the Q800T's 3D sound capabilities. I found the audio to be on par with the Atmos sound on the LG SN7Y. The advantage of the Q800T lay with the Q800T as the rest of the drivers in the ensemble (especially the subwoofer) helped create a bigger, more cinematic sound than the bar, with uploaded speakers nicely added. I don't think Samsung or LG can compete with properly placed speakers in a traditional speaker setup, but I'm sufficiently convinced of the capabilities of these well-executed Atmos bars. And I think most consumers will be too.

I am confident that this soundbar will provide an exceptional listening experience for most ears.

Music playback was solid too, thanks in part to the soundbar's support for a variety of formats including FLAC, WAV, and ALAC. I think watching movies with this bar is the more remarkable experience, but I'd be lying if I said the way Harry Styles' Watermelon Sugar or Chris Stapleton's Starting Over sounded on this system didn't sound to me liked. I feel like I am criticizing soundbars for not being able to create the stereo separation that is critical to the music. While it's well documented that I still prefer the classic theater setup, the Q800T sells its stereo sound very well.

I am confident that with all the settings available, from setting the mid and high channel levels to adjusting the equalizer in the SmartThings app, this soundbar will provide an exceptional listening experience for most ears. For me, the missing piece of this puzzle is the lack of rear speakers, which would have completed a compelling movie theater experience. Sure, you can spend the extra $ 130 on the wireless environment, and some that might be worth it. But for this price, it wouldn't have been inconceivable for Samsung to add rear speakers to elevate the already great sound to the level of excellence. The fact that Vizio did it for $ 50 less only makes this point worse.

Just like the Samsung-specific connections, the Q800T also has an audio function that harmonizes with Samsung QLED televisions. According to Samsung, the Q-Symphony technology is supposed to synchronize the speakers in the QLED TV with the soundbar speakers in order to achieve a “fuller, more haunting” sound. Unfortunately, I have a Sony TV, which means I was unable to test this particular feature.

Our opinion

At $ 750, the Q800T isn't cheap, especially when you factor in the lack of surround speakers. Even without them, Samsung's new Dolby Atmos soundbar offers great sound and a wealth of convenience, especially for those who have already invested in the brand.

Are there any better alternatives?

For $ 500, you can get a similar 3.1.2 experience on the LG SN7Y, even though it lacks the Wi-Fi capabilities. The Vizio SB36514-G6 is a great option that offers 5.1.4 sound for $ 700. However, the setup is more complicated and not quite comparable in the lower area.

How long it will take?

From a technical point of view, the Q800T is relatively future-proof with HDMI eARC, 4K and HDR 10+ passthrough as well as Dolby Atmos / DTS: X support. A one-year guarantee doesn't hurt either.

Should you buy it?

Yes. The HW-Q800T has proven to be a great sounding system that is easy to set up and use thanks to features like Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa integration. It's expensive, but it won't disappoint.

Editor's recommendations




09 Jun
Blog

Amazon Fire HD 8 Review (2020): Low-Priced for a Reason

amazon fire hd 8 2020 review 3

"The Amazon Fire HD 8 is the only sensible choice in its price range, but there are good reasons for that."

  • Amazon integration

  • Very affordable

  • Good battery life

  • Alexa

  • Software can feel like an advertisement

  • Slow performance

  • Below average display

The tablet market is in a strange place. Apple dominates and the iPad is our first choice for those who can spend up to $ 300. However, if you can't (or don't want to) spend that much or just don't like the Apple ecosystem, your options are limited. Amazon is one of the few alternatives that has been offering extremely affordable tablets for years. An updated version of the Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet was recently released.

Amazon's new Fire HD 8 isn't fundamentally different from the previous generation Fire HD 8, but it does offer some upgrades. For example, there is now a USB-C connector on the bottom as well as a new chip that offers 30% better performance.

However, the heading is still the price. At an extremely low price of $ 90, the Fire HD 8 may be the best option under $ 100 – also because it's one of the few options under $ 100. But what are the victims?

A basic design with a few quirks

The Fire HD 8 offers an 8-inch display with a half-inch frame around the display. The tablet is available in different colors, which is perhaps the most unique thing about it. These colors include white, black, twilight blue and plum. I checked the white model and it looks good enough – although the more colorful models have more flair.

As someone who normally uses the entry-level iPad for all tablet needs, the Fire HD 8 feels a bit thick at 9.7mm compared to 7.5mm from the iPad. Given the overall size, it's still pretty light. However, once you add a case, it becomes even stronger. Because of this mass, the tablet feels relatively tough. It is largely made of plastic, which does not scratch or dent easily.

The layout of the buttons and ports on the Fire HD 8 could take some work. The webcam is arranged horizontally rather than vertically. When used in the horizontal layout, the volume rocker, the power switch, the USB-C connector and the headphone jack are on the left. In the end, I didn't mind the layout, but it's a little strange to have the USB-C port on top and the power switch and volume rocker on the bottom if you want to use the device in portrait mode. There is a MicroSD card slot on the right to expand the built-in memory.

This is the first Fire HD tablet to have a USB-C port. You won't be charged really fast through this connector, but it is convenient to charge your modern devices with the same cables, and the inclusion of such a connector is somewhat overdue for Amazon.

There is a 2-megapixel camera on the back of the device, which takes mediocre pictures at best. The selfie camera on the front is also 2 megapixels in size. Even if it is suitable for video chatting, a better camera would have been desirable.

Overall, the Fire HD 8 is designed to get the job done. Due to the low price, you have to do without the premium feeling of Apple's iPad for beginners, but this does not make the use of the tablet difficult.

Mediocre display

While the design is okay, the display leaves something to be desired. This is also to be expected from a device in this price range, but it is still important to note.

The 8-inch LCD display has a resolution of 800 x 1,280, which is slightly below average. The maximum brightness is also low. Therefore, in direct sunlight, you may have difficulty seeing what you are doing. The colors are also subdued, making videos less haunting and exciting.

Digital Trends found that the display was somewhat flawed when reviewing the 2018 Fire HD 8 model. It is therefore disappointing that Amazon has not updated it. While the display does the job in most situations, you will have problems using it outdoors, and the films will not look as sharp as on more expensive tablets.

Poor performance, good battery life

It doesn't look much better under the hood. Android devices often work well when you receive them. In the next few years, they will slow down. Unfortunately, this is not the case here. The Amazon Fire 8 HD is ready to use.

This tablet is powered by a MediaTek MT8168 processor with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB storage. If you want to expand this memory, a microSD card slot is integrated in the device.

The specs are undoubtedly modest, and while the tablet performs well in everyday use, if you are interested in mobile games, you will need something with a little more momentum unless you are mainly interested in basic games. This tablet is not suitable for games. However, it should be fine for streaming videos, surfing social media, etc.

While the performance is somewhat disappointing, the battery life is solid. Amazon rated the battery life up to 12 hours, and I found that it could easily stand two days of moderate use. If you don't regularly forget to charge your devices, you'll find that battery life is more than long enough for most.

Amazon forward software

Aside from the price, the main reason someone wants to buy a Fire HD tablet is to integrate with the rest of the Amazon ecosystem. For those who use more stripped-down versions of Android on their cell phones, such as those on Google's pixel cell phones or OxygenOS from OnePlus, the highly optimized Fire OS on the Fire HD 8 looks a bit chaotic – and sometimes a bit dated.

Deep integration with Amazon services can be very helpful for Prime subscribers who already use Amazon's apps and services heavily. Thanks to the instantly installed apps, you get quick and instant access to services such as Audible, Prime Video, Kindle, etc.

Many of these services are also integrated directly into the start screen. Swipe right and you'll have access to your books. Swipe right again and you'll see videos. There are games and apps again. It's an intuitive way to scroll through Amazon's services. However, if you're not using every single Amazon service, these sections of the home screen are for promotional purposes only – in full-screen mode. For example, on the Video tab, you can only view Prime Video content. Even if you download the Netflix app, you shouldn't expect Amazon to recommend content on this tab.

Fire OS does not use Google Play services, so you can only access Google services like Google Drive, YouTube, etc. if you download them. Even then, you won't be able to access the Google Play Store without great effort.

The Amazon Appstore is also limited. There are many gaps in most streaming services, social media apps, and some of the most popular games. For example, you can't download an official YouTube app, and the fitness junkies can't download services like MyFitnessPal.

Then you have the ads. If you take full advantage of Amazon services, you may not care so much about them – but if you choose in general, as most people are likely to do, the ads will get a little much. Every time you see the lock screen, you see a different set of books or shows that Amazon believes you want to read or view, and Amazon regularly fills your notification shadow with other ads.

Alexa is part of the Fire tablet experience and works well. They have all the Alexa functions you need for the Echo, as well as the ability to control certain aspects of the tablet software, such as: B. opening certain apps, playing videos on Prime Video etc.

If you are something like me, you will ultimately have a love-hate relationship with Fire OS. It works great in many situations, but only if you're seriously connected to the Amazon ecosystem – and if not, much of the operating system is just bloatware.

Price, availability and warranty information

The slow performance, bloated software, and limited app selection would be unforgivable if it weren't for the price. At $ 90, however, there is almost no competition for the Fire HD 8. You might find a cheap Samsung or Lenovo tablet that matches the price, but otherwise you'd have to look for no-name tablets that aren't offered to everyone Advantage over the Fire HD 8.

Of course, this tablet is available directly from Amazon. You only get a 90-day limited warranty here, which only covers manufacturing defects.

Our opinion

The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a solid budget option for those who need an entertainment device or are connected to the Amazon ecosystem and are looking for a device that uses it. However, the device is far from perfect. It has a relatively poor performance, the software can feel like a big advertisement, and the display is not great.

Is there a better alternative?

There are no solid alternatives in this price range, as the available options come from no-name brands or are underwhelmed. It may be worth taking a look at a refurbished iPad or saving money for something better, like a cheap Lenovo option or the entry-level iPad – although the entry-level iPad still costs $ 250 on sale.

How long it will take?

You should get a year or two of normal use of Amazon Fire HD 8. Slow performance worsens over time, which you should be aware of as it is not particularly good at first, but if you only really use it when watching videos and browsing social media, this should be fine. Physically, the tablet is strong enough to withstand most everyday use, but you don't want to drop it or get it wet.

Should you buy it

No. Although there is little competition, the Amazon Fire HD 8 is too affordable by itself.

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




23 Apr
Blog

Amazon Echo Buds Review: Better Than AirPods, For Less

Amazon Echo Buds case open

"The Amazon Echo Buds offer more value than any other real wireless earphone and are now the buds to beat."

  • Comfortable fit

  • Excellent sound

  • Very effective noise reduction

  • Handsfree Alexa

  • Great value for money

  • Average battery life

  • No touch-based volume control

While Amazon is new to the audio hardware game, especially compared to Apple, it has clearly done its homework. After all, don't just choose to compete with Apple's AirPods without bringing your A-Game.

On paper, the $ 130 Amazon Echo Buds do just that. They have a five-hour battery life, a snug, comfortable design, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, Bose Active Noise Reduction, and hands-free access to Alexa – along with compatibility by Siri and Google Assistant.

But hardware is difficult. Amazon's own website is littered with cheap corpses of those who tried to beat Apple in real wireless gaming. Has Amazon developed a line of real wireless buds that live up to their many promises?

Comfortable and safe

Amazon has gone to great lengths to ensure that the Echo Buds are suitable for a variety of ears. The buds contain three sizes of silicone earplugs and three sizes of ear fins, which are referred to as "wing tips". A correct fit is important because the Bose Active Noise Reduction (ANR) function works best when a complete seal is achieved.

Although it wasn't ready for testing at the time of this review, Amazon is developing an earplug sizing test – a tool in the Amazon Alexa app settings menu – that helps you find the right size for earplugs.

Amazon Echo budsRiley Young / Digital Trends

The standard earplugs fit my ears perfectly. The Echo Buds were comfortable and were safe even without the optional wing tips. They didn't move at all with the added wing tips. The rounded shape of the earphones makes typing with your fingers easier, but sits flush. Unlike the AirPods from Apple or the real wireless earbuds from Jabra, there is no protruding stem, which gives the Echo Buds a very clean, minimalist look.

Wicked Wireless

One of the problems that plagues real wireless earbuds – even those with Apple's custom H1 Bluetooth chip – is connection failures. Regardless of whether an earphone loses its signal or both fail for a split second (or longer), we have seen a lot in our reviews of real wireless earphones.

The Echo Buds have proven to be unshakable and stay connected to an iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth. Even in places that have hampered other earphones, the Echo Buds haven't missed a beat.

They are also very flexible. You can use both or only one. If both are on and audio is playing, just pull one out and the sound will automatically pause. Put it back in and you're back to your tunes. The pause function worked well, but I found that the resume function was a hit and miss.

The Echo Buds have so far proven to be unshakable and remain reliably connected via Bluetooth.

The only hiccup I experienced was the initial pairing of the Echo Buds. It worked as expected on my Android phone. The Alexa app recognized the Echo Buds when I opened the charging case and placed it next to the phone. My test iPhone didn't do the job smoothly, so I had to add the Echo Buds through the app.

Almost no noise

One of the highlights of the Echo Buds is the integrated ANR developed by Bose. I'm still not sure about the difference between ANR and ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) that Bose uses for its flagship headphones, but I can tell you this: it works really well.

Turning Bose ANR on has an almost magical effect on consistently low noise levels, like the hum of machines. I didn't have a chance to put the Echo Buds to the ultimate test – an airplane – but when I was standing next to a refrigerator with a compressor running or my NAS hard drive during the ridiculously loud diagnostic run, those noises were completely erased.

Amazon Echo Buds caseRiley Young / Digital Trends

ANR is also effective in reducing traffic noise, background conversations in cafes and restaurants, and general ambient noise. In my gym it was much easier to focus on my daily morning talk show.

It's not a cone of silence, but it is effective enough that you appreciate the ability to temporarily allow outside noise in through mode. In the Echo Buds settings you can adjust the level of the through gain. At the maximum setting, the function acts like a kind of hearing aid that not only lets noise in, but also increases it.

Surprisingly good sound

I wasn't expecting the Echo Buds to deliver excellent audio quality, but they easily beat Apple's AirPods. The sound is rich and full and very satisfying. The tone can best be described as "close". Vocals and instruments feel right next to you instead of occupying a wide stage.

I wasn't expecting the Echo Buds to deliver excellent audio quality, but they do.

They instantly deliver excessive bass – which is not uncommon for audio accessories – but you can compensate for this using the Alexa app's EQ settings. I threw a lot of genres on the Echo Buds and everyone enjoyed listening to them.

Alexa, is that you?

The Echo Buds make Alexa even more personal. If the Amazon Alexa app is running in the background on your iOS or Android device, you can simply speak your preferred wake-up word to call Alexa. The three-microphone array on each earphone impressively detects when you're speaking. I was able to get Alexa's attention as I puffed and puffed on an elliptical trainer without raising my voice.

The use of Alexa has become commonplace for many people, but I guarantee that you will always be thrilled with the experience if it can follow you anywhere.

I was able to get Alexa's attention as I puffed and puffed on an elliptical trainer without raising my voice.

I still wish Amazon would support more music services – especially Google Play Music – but most people will find that the ability to control Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music (to name just the big ones) is more than adequate .

The Echo Buds also work with Siri and Google Assistant (depending on your device), but currently only Alexa can be used hands-free.

Two taps

With no physical buttons, tap the Echo Buds' smooth exterior to control its various functions. With the Alexa app, you can assign different functions to each earphone. However, you only get two interactions: double tap and long press.

Double knock is recognized very effectively, but I had some issues with long presses. The trick is to treat the first part of the long press as a fingertip – a gentle touch doesn't work. I think I would prefer to have a single or triple tap instead of the long press, but Amazon tells me that the combination I chose was very intentional. Regardless of which function you assign to the double-click, a call is answered or ended by a double-click.

Amazon Echo budsRiley Young / Digital Trends

You can choose from the usual media playback controls (play / pause, skip forward / backward), but there's no way to adjust the volume – something that many leading real wireless earbuds lack. Unlike some other wireless earbuds, however, you can ask Alexa to adjust the volume for you.

You can also switch between Bose ANR modes (In and Out) or use an optional "In and Out" feature that allows you to pause your music and listen to your surroundings at the same time.

One of these tap actions can also be assigned to the activation of Google Assistant (Android devices) or Siri (iOS devices). Unfortunately, there is no way to launch Google Assistant on an iOS device.

Base battery

If there's an area where the Echo Buds don't inspire, that's their battery life. Amazon takes five hours per charge, which is at the bottom of the current options. I thought it would be more than four and a half hours if you left Bose ANR turned on and used the wake-up word for Alexa.

The charging case can carry three charges, so you can work for almost a full day before searching for an available USB power source.

This is probably enough for most people, but we still want Amazon to increase these numbers a bit in the next version. This is especially true now that Samsung has released the Galaxy Buds + – a pair of wireless buds that cost $ 20 more than the Echo Buds but offer 11 hours of playback time on a single charge – raising the bar on battery life.

The charging case itself is compact enough to fit in most bags and appears to be well built. However, the clamshell design makes opening and closing with one hand a bit difficult. The Echo Buds snap into their charging contacts with exactly the right magnetic force and remain securely attached until you tear them out.

Our opinion

At $ 130, the Amazon Echo Buds are great value. It's her sheer number of useful features like hands-free Alexa access and great Bose ANR that make her a great buy.

Is there a better alternative?

The Echo Buds are just right in terms of price, quality and features.

You can get cheaper earbuds that sound just as good, but don't have Echo Buds speakerphone and ANR – you can think of the $ 99 1More Stylish. The Samsung Galaxy Buds + for $ 150 may be its closest competitor in terms of price and features, although it lacks noise cancellation features.

You can also spend a good deal more and get better audio quality, better battery life and a real ANC. Sony $ 230 WF-1000XM3. come to mind.

Then there is Apple's AirPods Pro. You're in a different league in terms of audio quality, call quality, and noise cancellation technology. They're also over $ 100 more.

How long will they last?

The Echo Buds come with a one-year warranty from Amazon, which is standard but doesn't say much about long-term performance. Compared to other wireless earbuds we've tested, the Echo Buds seem to be of average build quality, but like so many of these devices, the batteries will likely be dead before the earbuds themselves fail.

Should you buy them

Yes. The Echo Buds offer an amazing combination of features that make the $ 130 price even more attractive.

Editor's recommendations




09 Apr
Blog

Amazon Echo Show 5 Review: A Smart Display Hidden in a Clock

Amazon Echo Show 5 review

"Amazon's Echo Show 5 is so much more than an intelligent alarm clock."

  • Compact size fits anywhere

  • Attractive design

  • Versatile functions

  • Improved data protection regulations

  • Starting price

  • Slow smart home touchscreen control

  • Alexa calls aren't easy enough yet

  • No Google Photos or YouTube

Despite its name, Amazon Echo Show 5 ($ 90) is the third generation of Alexa-enabled devices to pack a screen. It was developed for desktops, bedside tables, kitchens and shelves and is the most compact Echo Show to date with a 5.5-inch screen, an integrated HD camera and a number of functional improvements compared to the two larger brothers Amazon Echo Show 8 for 130 US -Dollar and $ 230 Amazon Echo Show (2nd generation).

We won't blame you if your head turns with the rapid development of intelligent displays. Amazon, Google, and Partners are all experimenting with form factors, features, and prices to find the sweet spot that drives users to distribute these devices around the house.

Related articles

Google's Nest Hub ($ 129) and Lenovo Smart Display 7 ($ 100) are two of its direct competitors and offer similar functions in a compact size. In contrast, Amazon has developed Echo Show 5 as a real entry-level device. At a price well below $ 100, the retail giant is repeating a strategy previously tested with the audio-only Echo Dot, but this is obviously a more powerful device. You can't buy three or five at the same time as hosiery like you did at Echo Dot, but Echo Show is cheap enough to treat yourself and pick up a second as a valuable gift.

An intelligent display that you would like to flaunt

Amazon has made a few attempts to turn the Echo Show into a form factor that few would call ugly, but this new model makes it possible. The plate-like designs of previous generations are available in charcoal or sandstone and have been replaced by playful dimensions, gentler curves and flowing lines. It doesn't quite have the feel of Nest Hub, but curved corners, an angled, material-wrapped rear, and a grippy, rubberized base make Echo Show 5 both pretty and practical.

While all Echo Show devices have a data protection button to deactivate the integrated camera and microphone array, the Echo Show 5 goes one step further with a bulky camera shutter that slides over the lens. For a device that is being installed in potentially millions of bedrooms around the world, this is an obvious and very eye-catching attempt to address user privacy concerns. Slide the shutter button to display a bright orange tab while the lens hood changes from black to white and a notification appears on the screen. You will always know when data protection is activated.

The compact dimensions of the Echo Show 5 are ideal on the bedside table.

Even better, the lock ensures that you can still talk to Alexa or family and friends on drop-ins, Skype and Alexa video calls with a hidden camera. It's a simple addition to Echo Show's privacy features, but welcome.

If you're used to a larger 7- or 10-inch smart display, the 5.5-inch Echo Show initially feels like a step down. Fortunately, the display is clear and colorful, and has a resolution of 960 x 480, which is more than sufficient for photos, videos and the Alexa user interface. The menus are clear and easy to read throughout the room, and information such as time, date and weather are clear at a glance.

However, we still prefer a larger display for the kitchen. Google Nest Hub's recipes and YouTube videos look fantastic on a 7-inch, higher-resolution screen, while photos come to life in family rooms. However, the compact dimensions of the Echo Show 5 are ideal on the bedside table.

Alexa at its best

It's no secret that a smart assistant with a screen is an overall more engaging and useful smart assistant. This is certainly the case with the Echo Show 5, which turns out to be a surprisingly versatile device with alarms, reminders, entertainment, smart home routines and much more. When you've thought about the similar-looking Lenovo Smart Clock, stop. Echo Show 5 does a lot more.

While mostly instructing Alexa by voice, you can swipe left on the screen to access a function panel for easy on-screen navigation. We found the touchscreen display to be very responsive, but it took a few seconds for some features, such as B. the smart home control, after the selection was displayed – longer than desired.

Amazon Echo Show 5 reviewTerry Walsh / Digital Trends

We love the ability to customize the home screen with alternative backgrounds, photos and a selection of rotating information. This is a major advance over the limited customization features of the Lenovo Smart Clock and helps make life with the Echo Show 5 feel more personal.

An ambient sunrise function can gently brighten the display 15 minutes before your alarm is triggered. It works well to gently prepare you for the inevitable wake-up call. Sure, you can tell Alexa dazed to stop the alarm, but you can also hit a beat at the top of the screen (we tried to type) to set a snooze timer. If you spend a little time configuring Alexa Routines, you can start your day better with your favorite music and light scenes, set the thermostat, get the latest news, and find out about your daily routine.

Varied music and video selection, but still no YouTube

The loudspeaker of this echo is an appealing bedroom companion for music and radio with many low-end functions. Alexa’s verbal responses to your commands can be heard clearly throughout the room. Given Amazon's continued spats with Google, you won't find any dedicated YouTube or Google Photos apps on board – and let's be clear, both are overlooked – but with support for Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Prime Video, and more you have alternatives. It wouldn't be our first choice to watch an episode of Jack Ryan, but if you don't have a bedroom TV, this is a reasonable option.

It is the friendliest and most versatile smart display from Amazon.

Any Amazon Echo device can control your smart home with voice commands, but life is much easier with a screen. If voice commands don't work or you can't remember the exact name of a device to control it, you have a chic touchscreen controller on hand as a backup. While surfacing takes a few nervous seconds, you can access and control all of the lights, thermostats, cameras, and other smart home devices that Alexa knows. Depending on the device, the functions available may be restricted. For example, we could only change the color of our Philips Hue lights using voice commands, but touchscreen controls are definitely a useful backup.

On the other hand, smart home security systems such as the Ring Video Doorbell 2 offer enhanced functions for the Echo Show. When a visitor calls, you can see and communicate with them on the smart display. You no longer have to rush to the door half dressed to greet the UPS employee.

Alexa and Skype calls, messaging and more

In addition to Skype, the Echo Show 5 offers a number of Alexa voice, video call and messaging functions. Regardless of whether you choose a full video or just voice, the ability to communicate without pulling out your phone is liberating. With an exotic selection of Alexa-enabled devices like smoke detectors and intelligent thermostats, you can now yell at the kids from any room without the excuse of not being heard.

Amazon Echo Show 5 reviewTerry Walsh / Digital Trends

While we've found that conversations with the built-in speaker, dual microphone array, and 1-megapixel camera work well, finding the right contact using voice can be challenging, especially when using Skype. It's still very early for Alexa calls, and while we think this is a groundbreaking feature, Amazon still needs to do more to make external calls effortlessly.

Warranty information

As with all Amazon Echo devices, this new model is covered by a 1-year warranty.

Our opinion

Echo Show 5 is the perfect desktop companion for Alexa fans. We love its cute, compact shape, which represents a major advance over previous generations. Our initial concerns about the reduced screen size quickly resolved in use. It is the ideal size for a bedside table or at your desk.

It is important that it is so much more than an "intelligent alarm clock". While alarms, reminders, timers and basic information such as weather and news reports are the most popular applications, the Echo Show 5 is a capable companion at home, with decent entertainment options, improved smart home functions and hands-free communication.

In addition to the playful form factor, well-thought-out improvements such as new data protection functions, customization options and Sunrise settings make the Echo Show 5 Amazon the friendliest and most versatile smart display to date.

Is there a better alternative?

Google fans who are concerned about the lack of YouTube and Google Photos may opt for the more expensive Lenovo Smart Display 7 ($ 100) or Google Nest Hub ($ 129), while Alexa users find one larger screen, continue to purchase Echo Show 8 ($ 13). or second generation Echo Show ($ 230). For desktop or bedside tables, however, the Echo Show 5 offers fantastic value for money.

How long it will take?

We have found that Echo devices are robust and are well supported with feature updates. Of course, Amazon has been playing the customer support game for many years and they do better than most. No concerns here.

Should you buy it

Yes. Amazon Echo Show 5 is an easy pickup for Alexa fans and a great entry-level device for those considering their first smart display.

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09 Apr
Blog

Amazon Echo Show 8 Review: Third Time’s a Charm

Echo Show 8 Lenovo Smart Display Deals Amazon Walmart Rating 12 of 17 610x380 c

"Not too big, but not too small, Amazon has an absolute gem with the Echo Show 8."

  • Size is perfect for any room

  • Easy setup on the device

  • Strong audio performance

  • The YouTube integration is missing

If Goldilocks somehow stumbled into Amazon's headquarters, it would have no affinity for either the 10-inch Echo Show or Echo Show 5. One is just too big, while the other would be too small. She would probably prefer something in the middle. Something like the Amazon Echo Show 8.

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Several new smart displays were introduced last year, such as the Lenovo Smart Display 7 and Google Nest Hub Max. However, the Echo Show 8 intends to remain a relevant player, especially given the sales and package deals that are constantly being offered by the Amazon.

The right size

Amazon has achieved the perfect size with the Echo Show 8. It doesn't look bad when placed on a table or desk, unlike the Echo Show 5, which looks quaint alongside other decorations. On the other hand, it doesn't look massive when placed in tight spaces. Whether on the coffee table in the living room or next to your bed on a bedside table – the Echo Show 8 is the perfect size for almost any place.

Amazon has achieved the perfect size with the Echo Show 8.

Although its size is one of its great advantages, the design doesn't differ from Amazon's previous iterations. It has an angled display that is anchored by a fabric-wrapped base and gives the profile a more distinctive, speaker-like appearance. It's not ugly, but Amazon could be inspired by Google's Nest Hub Max. Google’s design is friendlier, more accessible, and looks better in a home environment.

The volume controls and mute switch are at the top of Echo Show 8, while privacy appreciates the switch that instantly covers the 1-megapixel front camera. On the back there is a power connector, a micro USB connector for maintenance work and a 3.5 mm additional connector.

No smartphone required

Nobody wants to use a separate gadget to set up a new gadget. Fortunately, the entire setup process is limited to Echo Show 8 and nothing more. After entering the password for my Wi-Fi network and then my Amazon account information, the setup process was complete. I never had to touch my phone. Most competitors need to install an app before setup is complete.

Voice commands are the main method of interacting with Echo Show 8. The two microphones at the top of the display recognize the “Alexa” command, which works well in noisy conditions.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Alternatively, you can use the Alexa app on your phone to do almost the same actions with voice commands. Of course, you can also use the touchscreen display, an 8-inch panel with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.

It's sharp and crisp, has the same resolution as its 10-inch sibling, but is smaller. That means more details. On the face of it, it's an absolute joy, but nowhere is it as impressive as the ambient EQ technology that Google's smart displays achieve photo-realistic results.

YouTube what?

Getting to know the user interface takes some time, but after a few tries you will be familiar with the menu system and swipe gestures. During most of the idle time, the Echo Show 8 will display messages and various content tailored to you.

Not surprisingly, all of Amazon's native services are provided. Access to Prime Video for movies is just a tap away. In addition, it is a hub to access all connected smart home devices if they have been set up via the Alexa app.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

The Amazon-centered approach, however, has limits. Anyone who wants to play a quick YouTube clip for the kids will find the experience backwards. There is no YouTube app at all. Even if you instruct Alexa to play a particular clip on YouTube, Echo Show 8 will tell you that this is not possible. You can play YouTube videos, but only by visiting the YouTube mobile website on the device.

This is the biggest problem with Echo Show 8, but it works well with other companies. You can access some of your favorite music streaming services like Apple Music. And with an intelligent display, it has never been easier to stay in touch with people. You can make video calls using your Amazon account or make old-fashioned calls using your cell phone number.

Sweet melodies

The audio performance of the Google Nest Hub didn't blow my mind. It felt thin and underpowered. That's why I was shocked by the powerful sound of Echo Show 8. The smart display delivers large audio data that easily outperforms the main competitors.

Not only does the bass perfectly emphasize the lows, it is also practical that you can adjust it and the highs to achieve that perfect sound. The Amazon Echo 8 strikes beyond its weight.

Our opinion

If Goldilocks chose, she would probably go with the Echo Show 8. It is the right size and the right price. For $ 130, this is currently the best value for a smart display. Due to its size, it is ideal for almost any place in the household.

Added to this are the various sales and package deals on Echo Show 8. Amazon has currently granted a $ 90 discount, saving you $ 40 off the MSRP. In addition, some of the bundle offers offer a smart plug, an adjustable stand or an Echo Flex – without increasing the final price.

Is there a better alternative?

If you're looking for something that takes center stage at home, the larger 10-inch Echo Show (2nd generation) is the better choice. However, you pay $ 100 more for basically the same smart display in a larger package.

Do you prefer the Google ecosystem? The Lenovo Smart Display 7 is the ideal candidate as it is similar in size, offers video calls and is perfect for controlling your smart home.

How long it will take?

Since it stays stationary, you can expect the Echo Show 8 to last a long time. Software updates will further improve the experience and bring new functions. This is an investment that gets better over time. Amazon offers a 1-year limited warranty with service in the event of a defect.

Should you buy it

Yes. The Amazon Echo Show 8 is the right size and price.

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09 Apr
Blog

Amazon Echo Studio review: Gorgeous Bass Meets 3D Sound

"The best Amazon speaker you can buy literally takes music to a whole new level."

  • Class leading bass

  • Chic and simple setup

  • Support for Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio

  • Large, spacious sound stage

  • All Alexa smart

  • Occasionally subdued middle class

  • Brittle note for lighter instruments

  • 3D music is still limited

Amazon's new Echo Studio Smart Speaker is not only good – sometimes it's fantastic. It is also one of the few smart speakers that you can buy that actually compete with the Sonos One. This is partly due to impressive functions that you won't find in any other intelligent loudspeaker on the market, not least thanks to the surprising support from Dolby Atmos.

Even putting the Echo Studio in the same sentence as the One is proof of how far Amazon has come in recent years. With products like the studio and the new Echo Buds, Amazon has proven that it can no longer be left out of the audio conversation.

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With the studio's 3D sound stage and a burgeoning new Amazon ecosystem that feeds it, Amazon is starting its own conversation, in which other loudspeaker manufacturers will certainly participate.

Roll out the barrel

With a large, rounded housing and an oversized CD feed cut through the base, the Echo Studio offers a unique profile. It is by no means repulsive and the exterior of the acoustic fabric offers a certain seal of approval, but is many times larger than the Sonos One and Apple's HomePod. The well-known Echo LED atrium on the top of the studio is wide enough to actually fit on an angel's head.

There are good reasons for the size of the studio. It is equipped with hardware, including two 2-inch drivers on the sides, a 1-inch tweeter on the front and a full 5.25-inch woofer for firing basses. There is another 2-inch driver on board, pointing up towards the ceiling to enable the hemispherical immersion, for which 3D sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and the new 360 Reality Audio System from Sony are valued. More on that later.

On the round top of the studio are control buttons, including the action button to manually call Alexa (if you don't want to call the speaker using the "Alexa" command), volume buttons, and my personal favorite, a mute button that rotates this rainbow-blue Alexa LED Darth Vader red, which ensures that the speaker doesn't listen to you.

As someone with a natural reluctance to allow listening devices in my house, the red hoop is a comforting reminder that my conversations are safe. It is also part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to restore confidence in its discretion.

As with all Echo loudspeakers, a microphone array in the housing enables voice activation via the “Alexa” voice command (or some other information) and acoustic calibration to adapt the sound signature of the loudspeaker at any location.

Ready, hired, streamed

Sonos, the undisputed king of simple speaker configuration for a long time, has real competition. Setting up the studio couldn't be easier. Sorry Sonos. You learned it by watching you.

After installing the Alexa app on your phone, follow the on-screen instructions and you can start streaming in no time. You can quickly add your favorite streaming service, including Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Tidal, and of course Amazon Music (among others).

It's not just the setup that's intuitive. Amazon's Alexa app makes it easy to customize basic audio settings, control playback, and connect to other devices, from an echo subwoofer to other echo speakers for a multi-room speaker system.

Again, the Sonos app feels very similar, which makes it user-friendly and, in my experience, much more stable and intuitive than Google Home. I also like the fact that unlike Sonos products, you can easily connect to the studio through other apps, including Spotify Connect.

There are more ways to connect than just Wi-Fi. The Echo Studio offers a Bluetooth connection if necessary. There is a dual-use 3.5mm optical / Toslink connection on the back of the speaker for connection to a TV or other device.

Unfortunately, you cannot decode Dolby Atmos movies over an optical link, but there is a workaround. If you have a newer Fire TV device, you can pair the studio with it to stream Dolby Atmos content from selected apps.

This is a fairly specific use case, and it means that you can't get Atmos from the biggest source to the speaker right now. 4K Blu-rays. Although you can certainly set up the Echo Studio as a soundbar replacement, this isn't the best way to use it for your money. Amazon also has other plans for its new 3D speaker.

Alexa stuff

Before we get to the audio extras for those new to the world of smart speakers, let's talk about how much the Amazon Echo line, including the studio, can do. There is a lot to discover, from connecting and controlling a smart home system to checking the weather, shopping and numerous other smart home skills. In fact, the Alexa app offers a whole range of new and old abilities to try out.

This includes controlling the playback of the speaker with your voice. This is easy and works better now than it did a year or two ago. The speaker had few stumbling blocks when he was put through his paces, even with music. With Spotify, the studio seemed to know what I wanted to hear more often than not.

Amazon Echo Studio

As part of the Echo family, the studio can also do things that most third-party Alexa speakers can't. B. Intercom calls throughout your home through your Echo Collection. However, the Sonos One can speak both Alexa and Google.

Amazon Music is growing

You can't talk about Echo Studio without mentioning Amazon Music, as both parts are important to Amazon's plans to lead Spotify and Apple Music.

In early fall, Amazon announced that it would add high-definition music to its subscription music service for just $ 5 more. This undercuts the price of all these competing services and adds something that Apple and Spotify don't have at all.

Just as important for our purposes are "millions" of tracks with a resolution of up to 24 bit / 192 kHz selected songs mixed in Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio (or newly mixed). Dolby and Sony also appear to be realizing their new plans and adding important studio partnerships.

Chills at 360 degrees

The biggest question I had after Amazon unveiled Echo Studio in its latest Alexa product extravagance was simple. What does Dolby Atmos actually mean in an intelligent speaker?

Most Atmos systems surround you with a barrage of speakers to get the 360-degree audio effect, including at least two uploaded speakers to bounce the sound off the ceiling. Even mentioning Atmos for a humble intelligent speaker seems bold. After tracking down the few tracks on Amazon Music (which thankfully have a 360 audio playlist), I was impressed with what this speaker can do.

It gave me something that I've never had from a $ 200 piece of plastic. Chills.

The first song I wrote was Elton John's Rocket Man. At first it was just a few slide effects that spread like a sound aura over the speaker. But as the song started up, the piece's expansive synthesizers stretched from the top of the speaker to the walls and finally blossomed into a cloud of swirling sounds at the front of the room.

The studio couldn't completely submerge me, but it gave me something I never got from a $ 200 piece of plastic: chills.

Stage against signature

While the side and up firing drivers are paramount to the studio's 360 tricks, the powerful, authoritative bass must be the speaker's best asset for everyday listening. Any great speaker can boom, with Google's Max being one of the best examples. But the studio's bass isn't just great. It's clean, tight, and well controlled.

The second song on Amazon's 360 playlist was Ariana Grandes 7 Rings, and although I'm not a Grande super fan, I was impressed by the tight jackhammer bass that the studio reproduced as a chorus beat hit. This powerful bass in combination with the bubbling 360-degree stage ensures a brilliant ride through the entire playlist.

Amazon Echo Studio

However, the studio is not perfect. Because of the only tweeter in the front, the speaker has a little bit of a problem when it comes to delivering detail and clarity in the midrange, especially when singing. It can also become thin at heights when lighter mixtures are fed.

In this regard, the Sonos One and also the Apple HomePod are clear of the ground. This becomes clear when you move away from 360 and high resolution tracks. And let's face it, most of us are stuck listening to compressed music every day.

You can get more clarity in the mid-range by disabling the studio's Stereo Spatial Enhancer, which may choke the mid-range on some tracks, but which also brightens the upper registers, which is sometimes uncomfortable. I found it helpful to reset the highs in the settings.

Regardless of this, the studio's sound signature takes a back seat to the soft, rich and detailed sound of the Sonos One. In addition, the 3D effects of the studio depend on the interior of your living room (especially on the walls and ceiling). 3D blends are currently limited. On the other hand, the sound stage and bass of the Sonos One are more reserved and compact compared to the spacious studio.

guarantee

Amazon's Echo Studio comes with a one-year limited warranty, and you can purchase an additional year.

Our opinion

The best smart speaker Amazon has ever made keeps its promise and offers a new way of listening in combination with Amazon Music. The Echo Studio is one of the most enticing new smart speakers on the market, offering premium bass and solid sound across the board.

Is there a better alternative?

For an Amazon spokesman, no. And if you want to immerse your toes in the world of Atmos Music, this is also your best choice for speakers. If you're looking for a rounded, everyday speaker with the versatility of Google and Alexa (and a more balanced sound signature), the Sonos One is the obvious alternative.

Although the price hasn't dropped since last fall's release, it should be noted that Amazon is currently offering a bundle that includes packages in a free Philips Hue Bulb.

How long it will take?

The speaker seems to be well built and has an expanded decoding for 3D audio formats that are just beginning to take shape. If anything, it's a bit ahead of its time.

Should you buy it

Yes. If you're looking for the best Amazon Alexa smart speaker you can buy – and especially if you're thrilled to dive into the latest musical limits – the Echo Studio is an easy choice.

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