▷Amazon Echo Show review: the virtual assistant to keep in the kitchen 🥇

The first time I saw it Amazon Echo Show I could not understand it: it is a virtual assistant but it has a screen, the display is touchscreen but I have to control it practically only with my voice, I have a visual aid but not many services use it or are compatible ... In short, what is the real plus? What could it possibly offer me compared to the Echo, Echo Plus or Echo Dot?

After a few days of use, the lighting: Amazon Echo Show fits perfectly in the kitchen. Before explaining why we take a step back.

Minimal and elegant

To characterize the Amazon Echo Show is primarily the large display from 10 inches which transforms it into a sort of tablet, a tablet accompanied by one speaker later covered in fabric, speaker that uses two 2-inch neodymium drivers, a passive radiator and technology Dolby to give you a truly satisfying listening experience.

We also have on board a frontal camera of 5 megapixel, designed to take a photo using voice commands or to make video calls via Skype. Then present 8 microphones, 4 front and 4 located on the top. They are supported by beam-forming technology, which allows them to pick up your voice from any position and even in the presence of some annoying background noise.

But how do I control this Amazon Echo Show? Mainly with voice commands. However, there are three physical buttons available to change the microphone and adjust the volume. The touchscreen display can also come to your aid: a swipe downwards allows you to adjust the brightness, control some devices in your smart home, change the network settings and change the main screen.

Don't forget the application Amazon Alexa. In fact, it too can help you control your Echo Show by re-proposing most of the settings already present on the device itself. However, the application also helps you create new routines, monitor your lists, install new skills and link your Spotify account to Amazon Echo Show.

On balance then this big tablet offers everything that the rest of the Echo range also offers: elegant design, powerful sound and all the Alexa features. The plus is therefore represented by the display, but - and here we return to the initial doubt - how do i use it?

Amazon Echo Show in the kitchen

Before explaining why the Echo Show is perfect for the kitchen (at least for mine) allow me a small premise.

Normally my activity in this environment is supported by more than one technological tool:

I use my smartphone to search for recipes;
I use the tablet to watch movies or TV series while I cook or wash the dishes;
I call in the virtual assistant on duty to set the timer or add items to the shopping list.

At this point I guess you understand where I want to go: The Amazon Echo Show can do all of these things. Instead of using three different objects I can do everything with a single device. I just need an "Alexa, resume playing Psych" to continue watching the show I started following on the TV, I can search for new recipes on Saffron Yellow or say "Alexa, set a 10 minute timer" after you throw the pasta out.

All this without ever touching the Amazon Echo Show, thus avoiding to dirty or ruin it. But be careful: remember that the device is not waterproof, so keep it away from the sink.

The limits of the Amazon Echo Show

However, the device has some flaws. The first concerns the lack of compatibility with some services. In fact, you can enjoy the contents of Amazon Prime Video but forget YouTube and Netflix.

You have then skills but no applications. This means that you will not be able to browse, use social networks, take advantage of messaging programs, play games and do everything you usually do with a tablet.

Finally we have Alexa with all its limitations and flaws. Sometimes she won't understand, other times she won't answer, and at other times you'll find her annoyingly pedantic, but it's undeniable that she knows how to do her job. Not always perfectly, occasionally with some misunderstanding, but in the end you can still manage your smart home, get your questions answered, set timers, alarms and reminders, or listen to some good music on Spotify.

Amazon Echo Show: to buy it or not to buy it?

Echo Show isn't exactly cheap. In fact, to take it home you will have to invest 229,99 euro. An important amount that you will have to spend consciously. It is a good product but remember that most of its features are also found in the rest of the range, so before purchasing, ask yourself what you want to do with it and if you really need the display.