Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen, 2021 release) | Smart display with Alexa and 2 MP camera | Charcoal

So the secret is I purchased the Echo Show 5 2nd Gen solely as an “add-on” bc it only cost me an additional $10 as part of a Prime Day Deal (w the purchase of 3 Blink Outdoor Cameras- which I love) The pros are that it’s extremely easy to set up (uhhh, just plug it in), has great voice recognition, decent screen quality, and it’s the perfect size for me on the night stand (neither too big nor too small). I also like the clock feature(s) and all the different ummm apps? which you can download to use on the ES5 (like Netflix). Now, that being said, I haven’t watched a single thing of substance on it yet (no movies, videos, video calls) bc I have my iPad, iPhone, etc. for all of that stuff. I also like all of the different settings and features available, allowing you to customize your ES5 screen(s). Finally, I like how you can easily block the front-facing camera on the home screen so no bored pervs at Amazon can watch me sleep. Now, the one negative … WHICH I 100% KNEW GOING IN … So it’s not really a fair knock … BUT unless you’re willing to pay substantially more (at least in the Prime Day deal I was offered), you can’t select one single Lock Screen for the ES5 to display all the time (such as an alarm clock face or the weather forecast). Instead, it’s always scrolling through various screens. Now, you absolutely CAN get all the information you need on the screen at times; but, unless you pay extra, your ES5 screen will also contain auto-scrolling nonsense as it shuffles through various faces (stocks, scores, weather, pics, etc.). I’d love to be able to use the Home Screen solely as a weather station or solely as an alarm clock, both while I’m using it (as a speaker) and while I’m not using it at all. To be fair. I’ve really only used it as a Bluetooth speaker so far, and it’s been really good for that limited purpose. Again, in full disclosure, I only purchased the Echo Show 5 2nd Gen as an inexpensive add-on to a Prime Day deal, so keep in mind it’s always possible (likely) I’m only tapping like 3% of it’s actual abilities, but that’s ok too, bc I’ve been really satisfied with it as a Bluetooth speaker so far. Final thoughts- If you can get it as an inexpensive add-on as part of another deal/item, that would be ideal. However, it’s still a good + solid product that delivers as promised, which may not sound like much, but is actually quite the rarity these days. FINAL VERDICT: SOLID BUY … as long as the price is right

I wanted some sort of secondary screen and speaker under my huge monitor to do the following: * Music / Radio to listen to while working or playing * A clock * Something to look kinda cool The Echo Show 5 mostly foots the bill and I picked it up on deep discount during Black Friday last year. Sound quality it is close to a third generation Echo Dot, that's not a bad thing I was expecting worse. It won't knock your socks off, which is fine. I'm either directly in front of it or across a small room from it. I use it mostly for streaming stations like Audacy. General screen and looks. The display is bright enough and looks nice. Colors are deep and not washed, pixelated, too light. There are many options for photos to show. Amazon's own offerings are good and for travel not a ton of duplication. Smart speaker stuff. As a clock it is fine. Asking Alexa stuff is fine, especially when it shows stuff on the screen. Weather is very useful. Everything else... it feels like it needs dialed in. The on device options are not great and tilt towards confusing which is a cardinal sin in UXUI. Some of the content is useless, it would be good to see more content about stuff I specifically like than general (like the Broncos vs the NFL). Likewise things like try this are annoying and no way to stop the Echo Show from doing that. Minor quibbles though, it does everything I wanted and I did not want a full blown tablet or computer handling work a smart device could with a much smaller footprint and with better sound.

After having the ring doorbell cam for years, I was always annoyed with the inability to easily see the video feed when you get a motion alert or if someone pushes the doorbell. I would have to fumble with my phone and pull up the app to see or interact with the person at the door. That’s all ended now with the echo show and I am so happy. Now, whenever anyone rings the doorbell, the video pops up immediately and we can interact or with the person across the room by voice. It is such a convenience I am really glad I finally got one if only for that one feature and ability. As I’m slowly playing with the echo show, it’s a great little gadget that has surprisingly good sound that is capable of pumping out enough sound to fill a good sized room. Other features that I find myself using more and more is using it as a media player while I am on a the computer that is right next to where we keep the show. All the music and/or videos that I would normally play through the computer I just play through the show now since it has always been more for back ground rather than something I’m actively listening to or watching. I didn’t think I would enjoy this product so much but so far I’m very happy with the purchase and am even considering additional echo shows for around the house. I’m even considering the new 15 inch one that can be wall mounted to display the family calendar and pictures.