Amazon has expanded its smart home portfolio in India with the launch of two new premium smart displays, the Echo Show 11 and the fourth-generation Echo Show 8. While Echo Show updates are not new to the lineup, this particular launch feels a bit more significant. Amazon seems to be moving away from devices that only react when spoken to, and instead toward something more ambient and context-aware. At least on paper, that is the idea.
Both devices introduce Omnisense, a new sensor platform that allows the Echo Show to understand what is happening in the room without waiting for a wake word. It is a noticeable shift in how Amazon is positioning its smart displays, making them feel less like on-demand assistants and more like background helpers that quietly adapt to your routine. The Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) are available starting today across major online and offline retail channels in India.
Key Takeaways
- New Arrivals: Amazon launches the all-new Echo Show 11 and the Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) in India.
- Smart Sensing: Omnisense enables routines triggered by motion, presence, and temperature changes.
- Audio Upgrade: Front-firing stereo speakers with custom woofers deliver spatial audio.
- Pricing: Echo Show 11 costs ₹26,999, while Echo Show 8 is priced at ₹23,999.
- Display Sizes: Echo Show 11 offers an 11-inch Full HD screen, and Echo Show 8 features an 8.7-inch HD display.
Omnisense and AZ3 Pro chip bring a more proactive Echo experience
At the core of both new Echo Show models is Amazon’s custom AZ3 Pro silicon. This chip powers Omnisense, a sensor system that combines a 13-megapixel camera, ultrasound, and Wi-Fi radar. Together, these sensors allow the device to detect motion and presence when someone enters a room.
Instead of waiting for you to say “Alexa,” the Echo Show can proactively respond. For example, lights can turn on automatically when you walk in, or a fan can adjust itself if the room temperature crosses a certain threshold. It sounds convenient, though how useful it feels day to day probably depends on how deeply you have invested in smart home accessories.
This approach marks a clear departure from older Echo Show models, which were largely reactive. Amazon seems confident that users are ready for displays that anticipate needs rather than just respond to commands.
Redesigned look with bigger, brighter displays
Design-wise, Amazon has made some noticeable refinements. Both the Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8 now feature edge-to-edge glass with thinner bezels, giving them a cleaner, more modern appearance. The rear panel uses a 3D-knit fabric finish, which feels consistent with Amazon’s recent design language across Echo devices.
The Echo Show 11 comes with a 10.95-inch Full HD touchscreen. It is large enough to comfortably watch Prime Video, follow recipes step by step, or view multiple widgets at once. The Echo Show 8 has been upgraded to an 8.7-inch HD display, slightly larger than before, which should help with readability from a distance.
Both displays use ambient visual technology that adjusts brightness and color temperature based on the lighting in your room. When idle, the screen blends into the environment rather than standing out, which might matter more than it sounds if the device sits in a living room or bedroom.
Audio, camera, and connectivity features
On the audio front, both devices share the same internal setup. Front-firing stereo speakers sit beneath the display, pushing sound directly toward the user. A custom-built woofer handles low frequencies, and spatial audio support helps create a wider soundstage. For music and casual video watching, this should be a noticeable improvement over earlier generations.
Each Echo Show also includes a 13MP camera with auto-framing. During video calls, the camera keeps you centered in the frame even if you move around slightly. It is a small touch, but one that makes calls feel less static.
Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Users can stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, and JioSaavn, among others. For smart home control, both devices act as hubs for Matter-compatible devices, simplifying setup across different brands. Privacy controls are still present, with a physical camera shutter and a dedicated button to turn off the microphone, which some users will likely appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the price of the new Echo Show models in India?
A1: The Echo Show 11 is priced at ₹26,999, while the Echo Show 8 (4th Gen) costs ₹23,999. Both models are available in Graphite and Glacier White color options.
Q2: Where can I buy the Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8?
A2: They are available online via Amazon.in and Flipkart, and offline at Croma and Reliance Digital stores across India.
Q3: How does Omnisense technology work?
A3: Omnisense combines camera input, ultrasound, and Wi-Fi-based sensing to detect motion and presence. This allows the Echo Show to automatically trigger routines such as turning on lights or displaying relevant information when you approach.
Q4: Can I watch YouTube on these devices?
A4: Yes, YouTube videos can be accessed through the built-in Silk web browser by asking Alexa to open YouTube.
Q5: Do these Echo Show devices support Alexa+ AI?
A5: Amazon has confirmed that both the Echo Show 11 and Echo Show 8 are built to support Alexa+, the upcoming generative AI-powered assistant, once it becomes available in India.
