Amazon unveils the Echo Show 21, its largest smart display ever, alongside a revamped Echo Show 15. Explore the new features, improvements, and what these devices mean for the future of smart homes.

Amazon has just shaken up the smart display market with the introduction of not one, but two new Echo Show devices. The headline-grabbing Echo Show 21 is their largest smart display yet, boasting a 21-inch screen and a suite of new features. But the often-overlooked Echo Show 15 also got a significant refresh, with upgrades that address some of its predecessor’s shortcomings.

Announced on September 28, 2024, these new Echo Show devices are designed to be the central hub of your smart home, offering a more immersive and versatile experience than ever before. But do these upgrades justify the price tag? Let’s dive deep into what’s new and improved with the Echo Show 21 and the revamped Echo Show 15.

Echo Show 21: Bigger and Better?

The Echo Show 21 is undeniably a statement piece. Its massive 21-inch, 1080p display dwarfs every other smart display on the market, making it ideal for watching videos, controlling smart home devices, and staying connected with loved ones. But it’s not just about size. Amazon claims the Echo Show 21 offers a significantly improved audio experience compared to its predecessors.

Here’s what’s exciting about the Echo Show 21:

Massive 21-inch display: Nearly double the screen real estate of the Echo Show 15.
Enhanced audio: Dual 2-inch woofers and two 0.6-inch tweeters deliver “immersive sound” with “double the bass” and room adaptation technology.
Upgraded camera: Wider field of view and 65% more zoom ensure you’re always in frame during video calls.
Wi-Fi 6E compatibility: Faster speeds and lower latency for smoother streaming and improved performance.
Fire TV integration: Enjoy your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video.
Smart home hub: Control compatible smart home devices with your voice or on-screen controls.
Visual ID: Personalized experiences based on facial recognition (optional).

Echo Show 15: A Welcome Refresh

While the Echo Show 21 steals the spotlight, the updated Echo Show 15 offers compelling improvements that make it a more attractive option for those seeking a wall-mountable smart display.

Key upgrades to the Echo Show 15 include:

Improved audio: The same enhanced audio system as the Echo Show 21, with dual 2-inch woofers and 0.6-inch tweeters.
Upgraded camera: Wider field of view and increased zoom capabilities for better video calls.
Wi-Fi 6E support: Faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
New interactive widgets: More ways to personalize your experience and access information at a glance.
Fire TV integration: Enjoy streaming content directly on the device.

My Take on the New Echo Shows

I’ve always been a fan of smart displays, and I’ve owned several Echo Show devices over the years. While I haven’t had the chance to test the Echo Show 21 and the new Echo Show 15 extensively, the upgrades are promising. The focus on improved audio is particularly welcome, as it was a common complaint with previous models.

The Echo Show 21’s sheer size is impressive, and it’s easy to see how it could become the entertainment and information hub of a kitchen or living room. However, I wonder if it might be overkill for some users. The Echo Show 15’s more compact form factor and wall-mountable design make it a versatile option for smaller spaces or those who prefer a less obtrusive device.

Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead

While the initial response to the new Echo Shows has been largely positive, some concerns have been raised.

Privacy: As with any smart device with cameras and microphones, privacy is a crucial consideration. Amazon assures users that privacy features are built-in, including microphone/camera off buttons and the ability to delete voice recordings. However, users should be aware of the data collection practices associated with these devices.
Price: The Echo Show 21 is priced at $399, which is a significant investment. The updated Echo Show 15 is $299, still a premium price for a smart display.
Competition: The smart display market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Google Nest Hub and Facebook Portal devices offering compelling alternatives.

Despite these concerns, the new Echo Shows represent a significant step forward for Amazon’s smart display lineup. The combination of larger screens, improved audio, and enhanced features makes them compelling options for those seeking a versatile and integrated smart home experience.

It will be interesting to see how these devices are received by consumers and how they shape the future of the smart display market. As voice assistants and smart home technology continue to evolve, devices like the Echo Show are likely to play an increasingly central role in our homes and daily lives.

A Deeper Dive into the Features

Let’s explore some of the standout features of the new Echo Show devices in more detail:

Enhanced Audio:

Both the Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 feature a redesigned audio system that promises a significant upgrade over their predecessors. The combination of dual 2-inch woofers and 0.6-inch tweeters delivers richer, more immersive sound with deeper bass. This is a welcome improvement, as audio quality was a common criticism of earlier Echo Show models.

Upgraded Camera:

The new Echo Shows also boast improved cameras with a wider field of view and increased zoom capabilities. This ensures that you’re always in frame during video calls, even if you’re moving around the room. The enhanced zoom is particularly useful for group calls, allowing you to see everyone clearly.

Wi-Fi 6E Compatibility:

Both devices are compatible with the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance. This is particularly beneficial for streaming high-quality video content and using bandwidth-intensive applications.

Fire TV Integration:

The integration of Fire TV into the Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 provides access to a vast library of streaming content, including movies, TV shows, and music. This turns the smart displays into entertainment hubs, allowing you to enjoy your favorite streaming services without needing a separate device.

Smart Home Control:

The Echo Show devices serve as central hubs for controlling your smart home. You can use voice commands or on-screen controls to manage compatible devices, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and more. The integrated smart home hub makes it easy to monitor and control your home from a single device.

Visual ID:

The Echo Show 21 and Echo Show 15 offer Visual ID, a feature that uses facial recognition to provide personalized experiences. When enabled, the device can recognize you and display relevant information, such as your calendar appointments, reminders, and preferred settings.

Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your Echo Show

Customize your home screen: Add widgets, shortcuts, and photos to personalize your Echo Show experience.
Explore Alexa skills: Discover new ways to use your device by enabling Alexa skills for news, games, productivity, and more.
Create routines: Automate tasks and control multiple devices with a single voice command.
Use the Drop In feature: Instantly connect with other Echo Show devices in your home or with family and friends.
Experiment with different display modes: Choose from various clock faces, photo displays, and ambient modes to suit your preferences.

The Future of Smart Displays

The new Echo Show devices offer a glimpse into the future of smart displays. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features and capabilities.

AI-powered personalization: Smart displays will become more intelligent and personalized, anticipating your needs and providing tailored experiences.
Enhanced interactivity: Expect more interactive features, such as gesture control and augmented reality applications.
Seamless integration: Smart displays will seamlessly integrate with other smart home devices and services, creating a truly connected living experience.

Amazon’s Echo Show 21 and the updated Echo Show 15 represent a significant leap forward in the evolution of smart displays. With their larger screens, improved audio, and enhanced features, they offer a compelling blend of entertainment, information, and smart home control. While the price may be a barrier for some, these devices are sure to appeal to those seeking a premium smart display experience. As the smart home market continues to grow, Amazon is well-positioned to maintain its leadership with its innovative and evolving Echo Show lineup.

About the author

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Tyler Cook

He is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-owner at PC-Tablet.com, bringing over 12 years of experience in tech journalism and digital media. With a strong background in content strategy and editorial management, Tyler has played a pivotal role in shaping the site’s voice and direction. His expertise in overseeing the editorial team, combined with a deep passion for technology, ensures that PC-Tablet consistently delivers high-quality, accurate, and engaging content. Under his leadership, the site has seen significant growth in readership and influence. Tyler's commitment to journalistic excellence and his forward-thinking approach make him a cornerstone of the publication’s success.