The Echo family is expecting a new addition. The Echo Show 15 is to be the largest device in the Echo range, carrying a 15.6-inch Full HD screen.
The Echo Show 15 will launch on 9th December 2021 and will retail for £239.99.
The new Echo Show 15 marks the latest release for the ongoing Amazon campaign to broaden and diversify its range of smart-home devices. Historically, the Echo Show range has been one of Amazon’s less popular ranges (though they are far from unpopular), dwarfed by the overwhelming success of the Echo Dot range. The new Echo Show 15 will rank amongst Amazon’s most expensive offerings. At this price, it’s unlikely to turn many heads amongst those who prefer the smart home devices offering a lighter touch, but those keen to automate and embed themselves in the smart world will be keen to see what the Echo Show 15 can offer.
Screen, audio and camera
The Echo Show 15 has a 15.6-inch full HD (1080p) smart touchscreen display and can be orientated in landscape or portrait. The border and bezel of the screen replicate a picture frame - currently, we’ve only seen the Echo Show 15 available in black. The device can be mounted to a wall or left freestanding a stand, which is sold separately. The Echo Show 15 weighs 2.2kg.
Audio comes via dual 1.6-inch drivers. The quality of these speakers is yet to be seen, but the Echo Show 10 will likely retain the crown of having the range’s best audio. It could be that the wall mounting explains the modest drivers, as resonation and vibration need to be taken into consideration. It’s also worth considering that the Echo Show 15 is, like all Alexa and Echo devices, intended to be used as part of a wider smart ecosystem, which would include a speaker, such as the Echo Studio or Sonos One.
Streaming of music and video is supported by the Echo Show 15, via Prime Video, Netflix, Audible, Spotify and Amazon Music and more.
There’s a 5MP camera on board - a modest MP count, but one that is good enough for video calls. As with other Echo Show devices, the 15 can have its camera and speaker disabled at the push of a button for added privacy.
Organisation and Alexa
All of the usual Alexa and Echo benefits are on the Echo Show 15. It’ll link up with other devices for automation and routines, communicate and display Ring and Blink feeds, answer questions and play on-demand audio and visual content.
The advertising materials available thus far for the Echo Show 15 indicate that Amazon thinks it'll be useful in the kitchen and as a method of keeping organised.
As with other Echo Show devices, Show 15 will provide meal ideas and step-by-step recipes. However, the all-new 15.6-inch screen and wall-mounting see this as a much more comfortable and natural pairing. Unlike the smaller Echo Show gadgets, the Show 15 looks neat, helpful and out of the way.
Further to this, and further to the preexisting ability of Alexa to set reminders and calendar entries, the Echo Show 15 has widgets to help you with organisation and life admin. These widgets are not unlike those you’ll find on your smartphone or desktop PC - they are little apps that run on the display, keeping you informed with what’s coming up.
You can leave digital sticky notes to family members, set reminders and view upcoming alarms. You can also set it so that the weather forecast, news bulletins are displayed, along with information on your home’s other smart devices, like smart bulbs and smart thermostats.
Alternatively, the Echo Show 15 can display pictures when not in use, disguising the device as a digital photo frame. The photo can be those from the Amazon library or those on your Facebook via a linked account.
Release: December 9, 2021