ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Echo Show 16 looks like Amazon’s best Alexa device ever.
- It comes at a price of $500 or $570, depending on the display.
- The device serves as a calendar, smart home hub, and more.
I’ve never claimed to be the most organized person, and I’m well aware that I need to take steps to be more on top of appointments, schedules, to-do lists and everything else that comes with family life. I’ve tried smart display calendars like the Skylight, but they seem a bit gimmicky and expensive for what is essentially a large tablet. (ZDNET’s Maria Diaz, by the way, argues against this gimmick notion.)
The Echo Show 16, however, might just be the device that makes me want to take the plunge.
Also: Echo Show 16 makes Apple’s 7-inch HomeView weak
1. A slim upgrade
The first thing I noticed was how sleek the device looked. Amazon says it has 10% more screen area than the Echo Show 15, but a frame that’s almost 40% thinner. Since I will be opting for a wall mount, I wanted something that wouldn’t be too intrusive. Since my current device is an Echo Show 5 — the small counter-top version — it’s not exactly comparable. Still, it will be a huge upgrade to go from an Alexa device that displays images to something much more capable.
2. Much needed organization
The biggest appeal for me is the organization. Amazon says the new show offers a family hub with color-coded schedules, to-do lists, meal planning and more. My Google Calendar now holds all of that, but it’s easy to miss a notification. And if I don’t make it a priority to check my app every day (something I need to get better at), it’s easy to miss something.
On top of all that, I have a hobby-turned-side-hustle-turned business baking cookies, and keeping up with orders is of course a priority. Again, I use Google Calendar for that, but I almost missed orders in a sea of notifications. An always on calendar in a high traffic area of the house would do a much better job of keeping things in mind.
Also: The 4 biggest Amazon smart home announcements this week
My current show can show lists and events, but it doesn’t have an always present display.
3. An updated camera
Another significant upgrade is the camera. My current show has a camera, but it’s not the greatest, especially at night or in low light conditions, because it’s 2 MP. The Echo Show 16 has a wide-angle 13-megapixel lens, the widest field of view on any Echo Show device to date. According to Amazon, this doubles the range of Visual ID from 8 feet to 17 feet (from the previous generation). The Show 16 also adds night vision, which makes it much easier to keep track of your home when it’s dark.
I check in on my dogs several times a day, and my current show does an OK job, but it’s pretty useless at night. The improved camera on the Show 16 offers a whole new level of functionality.
Which gives me pause
My biggest concern? The price. The Echo Show 16 starts at $500. If you add accessories or upgrade to the anti-glare nanomatte display, you’ll be closer to $600. That’s double the price of the similar 15-inch Skylight Calendar. At the time I write this, a $100 coupon is available, bringing the price down to $400.
I’m already heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem, so it makes sense that I’d bring a display into the fold as my new smart home centerpiece. A purchase like this is hardly a necessity, but if it can fight just a little of the chaos in my life, it will be a worthwhile investment.
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