Amongst the devices showcased at the 2021 Amazon Devices and Services Event (recap or full replay available) was a new addition to the Echo product line, the Echo Show 15.
Echo Show 15 Features
The Echo Show 15 does everything that previous Echo Show devices do but takes things up a notch with a 15.6-inch 16×9 1080p Full HD resolution screen. With this larger size, the Echo Show is looking more like a smart TV instead of just a smart speaker with a small screen.
The larger screen makes it easier to actually watch video streaming content from services such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, and ABC News. Sling TV will also be available with a pending update.
The Echo Show 15 also has modest built-in speakers for listening to music from services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, as well as internet radio stations, podcasts, and book from Audible.
Of course, for better audio, you can also pair the Echo Show 15 with an external Bluetooth speaker or use it with a Sonos Wi-Fi-based speaker. Of course, the Echo Show 15 has built-in microphones to facilitate voice commands and interaction. You can use Alexa through the Echo Show to control and interact with other Alexa-supported smart home devices.
You can also use the Echo Show 15 as a digital photo frame to display photos and artwork.
Just as with other Echo Show models, a 5MP camera is included that facilitates video calling. The camera can be covered for privacy if desired.
You can place the Echo Show 15 on a table, counter, desk, or mount it on a wall in a traditional 16×9 horizontal configuration, or you can flip it to a portrait configuration if you prefer.
To facilitate more accurate machine learning, make content access and navigation quicker as well providing faster response times for verbal commands, the Echo Show 15 incorporates an AZ2 Neural Edge processor.
What’s Included in the box
- Echo Show 15
- AC power adapter and cord
- Wall mounting Kit
- Quick Start Guide
NOTE: The table stand is not included – requires optional purchase.
The Echo Show 15 is priced at $249.99 and can be ordered through Amazon.
New Alexa Features
In addition to Echo Show 15 device, Amazon has also updated Alexa with new features that will be compatible with both the Echo Show 15 and previous Echo Show devices including:
“Hey, Disney!”: A new voice assistant provide as a result of an Amazon/Disney partnership expands voice interaction on supported Echo devices. You can interact with characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and more by using the wake words ‘Hey, Disney!’. Visit www.amazon.com/HeyDisney to sign up (coming in 2022)
Household Calendar: A new calendar widget makes it easier to view and manage your family’s schedule. Tap the screen or ask Alexa to add events or appointments. Everyone in the household can see the daily schedule.
Visual ID: You can teach your device to recognize you when you step in front of the Echo Show’s camera. You can then see a personalized view of your daily events and reminders. This feature can be disabled if you have privacy concerns.
Sticky Notes: When it becomes available, this feature will allow you to create and display digital sticky notes on your Echo Show screen. You can also create and assign notes for others as reminders.
“Alexa, open SLING TV”: As mentioned previously, Sling TV will be added to the Echo Show. Just ask Alexa option Sling TV and tune in to your favorite channels to stream live sports, news, entertainment, and more. SLING also offers on-demand movies and TV shows, giving you more content to choose from. Sling TV is a paid subscription service.
“Alexa, open TikTok”: Just as with Sling TV, you can use an Echo Show to launch and navigate through TikTok.
Alexa Together: This is a subscription service to aid elderly family members that live independently. This service replaces Care Hub with expanded features such as a 24/7 Urgent Response helpline, compatibility with third-party fall detection devices, an optional Remote Assist feature.
Alexa Together will be available for $19.99 a month, after a free six-month trial for new customers or a free one-year trial for existing Care Hub customers.
