All-new Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) | Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound | Charcoal

2 Reviews For This Product

1. 

   Rated 2 out of 5

   02

   by Matt 14/05/2023

   We had a first generation Echo Show in our kitchen which died recently so I ordered this as a replacement, not realizing how small it is. It’s about the size of a standard alarm clock, which is too small for our kitchen. Rather than returning it, though, I decided to keep it for the bedside table, which appears to be what it was made for. I then ordered an Echo Show 8 for the kitchen, which is a much better size for there.

   Anyway, having this on the nightstand is nice, because not only does it function as a clock, but I can ask it about the weather, the news, etc. in the morning. The bluetooth speaker has very good sound for its size. Overall, it’s a great purchase. Except…

   It’s got a couple of really annoying flaws that severely limit its usefulness. Ugh. Amazon, I really hope you’re listening here. At least the first of these should be fixable with a simple software update. The second, I’m not as sure if it’s a software problem or a hardware issue, but I hope that it will at least be updated by the next model. While I’m probably not going to return this one, I can’t see myself buying another one of these (or recommending it to other people) until these issues get fixed.

   So, first problem… Using it as a bluetooth speaker. I like to play music from Apple Music on my iPad, and I was hoping to use this for that. Yes you *can* link your Apple Music account directly into the Echo Show, but that’s got a couple of flaws – first, you can’t browse, you have to tell Alexa what to play, and second, if you’ve got your own music that you’ve uploaded to Apple Music because it’s not in the main Apple Music library (or another app entirely), there is as far as I can tell no way to access it. So, using the Echo Show as a bluetooth speaker it is. Except…

   Once you pair your iPad with Alexa, it will very loudly announce that it’s connected. “Now connected to Matt’s iPad” it says very loudly. If I had it connected previously and I start using my iPad after leaving it sit for a while (say, I was listening the night before and I pick up my iPad in the morning to glance at the news), even if I’m not playing audio, it will make the same announcement again (which, totally unexpected like that, gives me a good jump scare). Disconnect the iPad and it makes a loud notification sound (for a while it was saying “Disconnected from Matt’s iPad” but I seem to have managed to at least turn that off… I’m not even sure how). It does the same if I connect and disconnect my phone.

   I don’t want this. It’s super annoying. I’ve tried every way that I can find to turn these bluetooth announcements off, and I can’t do it. I’ve searched the internet and found lots of other people complaining of the same issue, but Amazon hasn’t fixed it. Some of those have suggested turning off notifications as the solution, but I’ve tried that (even going as far as power cycling my Echo Show to make it reboot), and I *still* get the bluetooth announcements. They just won’t go away.

   So, first thing this needs before I’ll give it a good rating… Amazon, please do away with these bluetooth announcements, or at least make it possible for me to disable them. Honestly, I’d prefer not to have to completely disable notifications to do it (there’s no fine grain control over notifications, it’s either all on or all off, which is a problem itself), but if that’s how it has to be whatever. Just get rid of these unnecessary and annoying bluetooth announcements.

   Then, there’s what is actually a much bigger problem, but may require a hardware update to fix… The auto-dimming.

   So, in theory, I like and want the auto-dimming feature. I don’t want this to be at full brightness all night while the room is dark. In the dark it goes very dim, but that makes it readable in the dark without being annoying or a distraction from sleep. That’s good.

   Based on how this performs, though, I have to assume that the light sensor that controls the auto-dimming is on the front and very directionally focused. It doesn’t pick up on ambient light at all.

   So if I turn on the bedside lamp, which happens to be located behind the Echo Show 5 on my table? It doesn’t pick up on it, it still thinks the room is dark, and it keeps the display so dim that it’s totally unreadable in the lamp light. I use my bedside lamp a lot when I’m in the bedroom, so that is a HUGE problem. Even if I have both the overhead light and the bedside lamp on and the screen is bright, the moment I turn the overhead light off (but leave the bedside lamp on), it goes so dark as to be unreadable.

   But even when I’m using the overhead light… If I even happen to stand or sit so that I’m positioned between the overhead light and the Echo Show unit, it dims the display. Not nearly as dim as it goes in the dark room or with the bedside lamp, but still dim enough to make it significantly harder to read.

   So basically, I can only read the screen easily with the room brightly lit or totally dark, with light directly pointed at the unit or no light at all. Anywhere in between and it becomes unreadable. Of course I could “fix” this problem by turning auto-dimming off entirely, but then it would be brightly lit all through the night. Which I don’t want either. Right now the only setting for this is either on or off, no in-between, no adjusting the sensitivity, nothing.

   So Amazon, I don’t know if this means that you need more light sensors on the unit than you currently have (maybe one facing the back of the unit as well), or if it’s just a software tweak to make it more (or less? I don’t even know) sensitive, but SOMETHING needs to be done about this. A screen that I can’t read isn’t useful to me.

   Oh, and finally, this is more minor but what is up with the white power cord on my black/”charcoal” device? I didn’t buy a white Echo Show because I didn’t want a white Echo Show. The power cord should match the device. Way to cheap-out, Amazon.

   Fix these problems and I’ll feel much better about the Echo Show 5 and happily recommend it to others as a bedside device. With these issues, though, I’m sorry, but I can’t recommend it.

2. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   02

   by iHaveaProblem 29/05/2023

   TL;DR:
   The Echo Show 5 is a compact and versatile smart display with enhanced features. It offers an improved visual experience, powerful audio output, and seamless integration with Amazon Alexa. However, the camera resolution and limited app support may be potential drawbacks for some users. When compared to other smart display options, the Echo Show 5 stands out for its compact size and affordability.

   Review:

   The Echo Show 5 is a compact and versatile smart display that combines the convenience of a smart speaker with the added benefits of a screen. With its enhanced features, it offers a range of capabilities for users seeking a visual and interactive experience.

   One of the standout advantages of the Echo Show 5 is its improved visual experience. The 5.5-inch display provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for tasks such as video calling, watching videos, browsing recipes, and viewing information at a glance.

   The audio output of the Echo Show 5 has also been upgraded, delivering powerful and immersive sound. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or streaming content, the device offers an enjoyable audio experience.

   The integration with Amazon Alexa, the voice assistant, is seamless and allows for convenient hands-free control of various smart home devices, streaming services, and more. You can control compatible smart devices, set timers and reminders, check the weather, and access a wide range of Alexa skills.

   In terms of affordability and compact size, the Echo Show 5 stands out compared to other smart display options. It offers a more budget-friendly choice without compromising on essential features and functionality.

   However, it’s worth noting that the camera resolution on the Echo Show 5 may not be as high as some other devices on the market. While it still provides adequate video calling functionality, those seeking higher-quality video may prefer alternative options.

   Additionally, the app support on the Echo Show 5 is somewhat limited compared to other devices. While popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are supported, the availability of third-party apps may vary. This could be a consideration for users who heavily rely on specific apps or services.

   When comparing the Echo Show 5 to other smart display options, its compact size and affordability make it an attractive choice. It offers a good balance between features and cost, making it suitable for users who prioritize convenience and value.

   In summary, the Echo Show 5 is a compact and versatile smart display with enhanced features. Its improved visual experience, powerful audio output, and seamless integration with Amazon Alexa make it a valuable addition to any smart home. However, the camera resolution and limited app support may be potential drawbacks for some users. When compared to other smart display options, the Echo Show 5 stands out for its compact size and affordability.

   Pros:
   – Improved visual experience with a clear and vibrant 5.5-inch display
   – Powerful audio output for an enjoyable listening experience
   – Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa for hands-free control
   – Compact size and affordability compared to other smart display options

   Cons:
   – Camera resolution may not be as high as some other devices
   – Limited app support for third-party applications and services