Smart Speaker - Glacier White

I am still learning what this equipment can do. But, the things "it" has taught me about it's capabilities has been sooo useful. I have integrated the mini cameras into the system, (love it) and am thrilled about doing the same with light bulbs throughout the house. Lights on lights off with no clapping! Music, streaming videos or news shows sound really good from the speaker or speakers. I bought a stand and although a little pricey, it was worth the investment just to be able to tilt it and keep it off the table. No regrets here, thus far.

I upgraded from the echo dot. I was able to connect my security system pretty easily but the directions provided by definitely did not help. Google will be your friend with connecting all Alexa type devices.

I use these for programming music into a stereo in a few different locations. I recently bought this ne echo show-8 for use in a garage. I was planning on getting a new cheap stereo receiver (Pyle or similar) but this thing has plenty of good sound built in, so I am now in no hurry to add more stuff to the shelf over the workbench.I am always impressed by how well these things recognize voice commands. It is how I select radio stations or music from a particular performer to listen to. I am sure it works great for other things like vidoe chat, intercom, etc. Many people express concern over privacy, but the camera has a physical door blocking it and I highly doubt anybody at wants to risk big trouble to listen in on anybody. I am also quite certain it is effectively "off" unless you say the "wake" word.When I was a kid ~40 years ago, I wanted to live long enough to talk to computers, and it has indeed happened. The economies of scale associated with and Alexa (Echo) devices make this technology quite affordable and practical. I have them all over the place, and it helps for super-easy setup that they associate them to your account when you order them. Make sure to notify during checkout (there are check boxes) if you buy as a gift for someone else with a different account.

The main reason we purchased Alexa was because our son wanted to be able to check in with us. We are quite impressed and will enjoy it more as we get used to using it. The quality of music is superb. I love that I can listen to news programs while I am working in my kitchen. We like having the availability of instant weather forecast. Have tried one recipe so far, it was very good. She has my shopping list ready to go, and she actually talks to me. I was working in my kitchen a day ago, it was very quiet and I suddenly heard this voice ask if my name was xxxxx, I looked up and said yes, she then asked if she could call me by my name. Kinda spooky, but fun. If I am ever alone in the house I could probably have an intelligent conversation with her.

I previously had the Echo Show 5 in my kitchen and recently replaced the 5 with the Echo Show 8 (2nd generation). The biggest difference is the screen size and quality followed by the increased level of sound. The camera is also better resolution. The Echo Show 8 allows more access to applications such as streaming services. I do wish there was a hard shut down button. A stand to go with it would be nice too, but it is an add on of course. However, it sits nicely where it is with a soft bottom. Lastly, the white AC adapter is nice to blend in with white receptacle covers versus the previously black AC adapter.