How Upgraded is the Second Gen Amazon’s Echo Show 5?
Amazon’s Echo Show 5 second generation which is seemingly similar to the first-gen Show 5 comes with a built-in camera that can be used to make video calls and as a security system and Alexa with the smart display.
Second-gen Show 5 with a 5.5inches and 960 x 480 resolution screen and 2MP camera come in 3 colours- charcoal, glacier white and deep-sea blue. Using the 5ft long white power adapter, you can plug it in and then connect it to the internet and set up the device. The setting up process is simple. Swipe down from the top of the screen to adjust the brightness and activate do not disturb features and swipe left to set alarms, timers, play videos and music.
The Camera
The second-gen Show 5 comes with a 2MP front camera which provides a slightly better and clearer zoom and skypes calls. The camera also acts as a security camera. You can get live audio and video transmission through the Alexa app. The app also lets you know if someone else is watching the video feed. The mic and camera can be disabled using the privacy setting in Show 5 or the camera can be switched off on the Alexa app.
Helps us Relax while long work hours
It is filled with music streaming services like Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. It enables the user to stream shows from Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu etc. it also supports podcasts. Alexa can play songs, videos, podcast or shows if you ask it to. It also works as a digital photo frame.
The new device is made from recycled plastics and fabrics. It can also retain power for a very long time making it energy efficient.
Drawbacks:
YouTube app is not available on the device. You can watch YouTube videos through the Amazon Silk web browser. Alexa voice control cannot be used for streaming videos on YouTube. But the Show 5 supports Twitch and it can be accessed using Alexa.
Amazon sidewalk feature that allows for better bandwidth outside the house by using the bits and pieces of the network from the neighbouring houses is available on Show 5 also. But how far the sidewalk feature is secure and useful is yet to be found out. The feature in Show 5 is optional and can be adjusted according to the user preferences by going to the settings.
The device does not have a 3.5 audio jack which allows connecting it with external speakers. The first-gen Show 5 had offered this feature.
The device comes with an extra physical shutter that can cover the camera. It helps to know that the camera is not watching you. There is also an external button on top of the device to mute the audio. The mute button when turned on is indicated by a red line across the bottom of the screen. The camera can also be disabled using the Alexa app. The voice recordings can be deleted at any time on the Alexa app.
The Echo Show 5 comes with minor additions to its first-gen model. If you already have a first-gen Show 5 then sticking on to it would be more advisable until a newer version goes on sale.