Smart Displays
Amazon presents Echo Show 15 and 21 – what the new devices can do
November 21, 2024 – 2:59 p.mReading time: 2 min.
In addition to the successor to the Echo Show 15, Amazon has introduced a new smart display. Its screen is almost twice as large.
After the new Kindle readers for e-books, Amazon is now bringing additional devices onto the market. These are an improved Echo Show 15 and a completely new Echo Show 21. According to Amazon, both products are intended to change the way you can interact with the digital voice assistant Alexa.
What does that mean? First: Both devices offer improved audio quality compared to previous Echo Show displays. According to Amazon, the sound should adapt to the room and offer twice the bass performance.
According to Amazon, it has also improved the video functions. The company has revised the camera in the devices for “more natural video calls”. This is now centered on the screen. Compared to the first Echo Show 15, the camera is said to have a field of view that is more than twice as large and a 65 percent larger zoom.
“Both devices have an integrated smart home hub, act as a Matter controller and connect directly to Wi-Fi, Thread and Zigbee devices,” Amazon continued. You could also control numerous devices locally. This includes lamps, switches and sockets.
Users can also use the displays as digital picture frames. With the phrase “Alexa, start Photo Frames,” the Echo Show devices display a full-screen slideshow of user photos. However, a Prime membership is required for high-resolution images from the Amazon cloud.
The Echo Show 15 with a 15-inch display and the Echo Show 21 with a 21-inch screen are available now. Both models include the Alexa voice remote control and accessories for wall mounting. The Echo Show 15 costs 329.99 euros, and Amazon wants 439.99 euros for the Echo Show 21. Users can purchase stands and frames.
What are the key features of the upgraded Echo Show 15 and Echo Show 21 that enhance user interaction?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Smart Home Technology Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special feature on the newest innovations in smart home technology. Today, we’re diving into Amazon’s latest announcements: the upgraded Echo Show 15 and the brand-new Echo Show 21. With us is Dr. Marissa Lane, a leading expert in smart home devices and their impact on daily living. Thanks for joining us, Marissa!
Dr. Marissa Lane: It’s a pleasure to be here! I’m excited to discuss these new devices and what they mean for consumers.
Editor: Let’s start with Amazon’s aim to change how we interact with Alexa through these displays. What’s your take on this shift?
Dr. Lane: Amazon is really pushing the envelope with these devices. By improving the interaction capabilities, they’re making the voice assistant more integral to daily routines. It’s not just about playing music or setting reminders anymore; it’s about creating a more immersive experience where the display enhances the interaction.
Editor: They mention improved audio quality as a significant benefit of the new models. Why is sound quality so vital for smart displays?
Dr. Lane: Great question! Audio quality can significantly enhance the user experience. If we think about the use cases, many people use their smart displays for video calls, watching shows, and listening to music. High-quality audio can make those experiences feel more lifelike and satisfying. Amazon has recognized that better sound can lead to greater user engagement.
Editor: It’s interesting that the Echo Show is also being marketed as a digital picture frame. How do you see this feature fitting into a consumer’s home environment?
Dr. Lane: This is a clever marketing move! Adding a digital picture frame function means the device can blend seamlessly into home decor. It encourages users to keep it in visible areas rather than hidden away, thus increasing the likelihood of interaction throughout the day. It turns the device into a piece of art when it’s idle, which is a brilliant way to enhance its utility.
Editor: Amazon has introduced the Echo Show 21 with a screen almost twice as large as the previous models. What implications does this larger display have for users?
Dr. Lane: A larger screen opens up numerous possibilities. It can serve as a central hub for family interactions, whether that’s viewing recipes while cooking, playing group games, or displaying photos as a family gallery. Additionally, a larger interface can make it more accessible for older users or those with visual impairments, making it easier to interact with.
Editor: You mentioned accessibility—how important is that in the design of smart displays?
Dr. Lane: Accessibility is crucial. As smart home technology continues to evolve, it’s essential that these devices are usable by everyone, including the elderly and those with disabilities. Features like larger screens, voice commands, and intuitive interfaces ensure that users of all ages and abilities can benefit from these innovations.
Editor: Looking at the broader smart home landscape, where do you see the future of devices like the Echo Show heading?
Dr. Lane: We’re likely to see deeper integration with smart home ecosystems. The ability to control multiple devices—lights, thermostats, security cameras—through a single display will make them even more central to our everyday lives. I also expect enhancements in artificial intelligence, allowing these devices to learn from user behavior and preferences, creating a more personalized experience.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Marissa. Thank you for shedding light on the evolving landscape of smart displays. As new technologies emerge, it’s exciting to think about how they’ll shape our daily experiences.
Dr. Lane: Thank you for having me! It’s always thrilling to discuss the future of technology and its potential to transform our lives for the better.