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The Echo Show initially appears like one of many Amazon devices with an Alexa voice assistant. But thanks to the touchscreen display and the front camera, he has some tricks in store that other devices don’t. Therefore, we show you the ten most interesting functions that the Echo Show offers.
Scan and order
As mentioned in the introduction, Amazon Echo Show has a front camera. It is not only used for video calls. You can also use it to scan objects. Says “Alexa, scan!” and the Echo Show reads the bar or QR code barcode read from the front camera . Alexa will then direct you to the corresponding product in Amazon.
Video calls to anywhere
Unsurprisingly, you can call other Echo Show owners with the Echo Show’s five megapixel camera. The called party can also answer the call on the Echo Spot or in the Alexa app on their smartphone. This replaces Skype and Co. analogously. Another requirement is that you manage your contact list with the Amazon account.
Freehand television
The Echo Show shows on demand like “Alexa, play Justice Leage” films, trailers and other videos. The Amazon voice assistant presents options for purchase, voice and playback control on the display. Video playback is currently limited to Amazon Video. YouTube is only available through unofficial detours.
Always keep an eye on surveillance cameras
Alexa should become the logical hub of your smart home. The Echo Show plays a trump card here: you can see live recordings from your surveillance cameras. Skills come from Ring, Netgear Arlo Pro, Nest Cam, Logitech Circle 2 and August Home Doorbell Cam, among others.
Karaoke
If you play songs from Amazon Music on the stereo speakers of the Echo Show, it also shows the text of the song in parallel. Unfortunately, this is not yet possible with other music streaming services such as Spotify.
Digital photoframe
If the pure, dedicated digital picture frames went out of fashion long ago, the Echo Show offers a similar functionality. To do this, replace the standard background with images from your Prime Photos account. Or upload photos to the smart display using the Alexa app.
Cookbook
The online service Allrecipes has adapted its skill for the Amazon Echo Show. Find recipes there, read user reviews, send the ingredients to your Alexa shopping list and simply let the preparation dictate when you cook. “Alexa, how do I prepare Carbonara?”
Find a restaurant nearby
Not interested in cooking yourself? The Echo Show shows you the closest restaurant including Yelp reviews. Each suggestion also shows the address, telephone number and opening times. Unfortunately, Alexa cannot call or reserve directly there in Germany.
View and edit the calendar
On “Alexa, show my calendar” the Echo Show shows you your next dates in a list. You can also create and name appointments on call. If you tap on existing dates, you will see your location and participants.
Baby monitor via drop-in
Amazon does not officially advertise this as a function of its Echo devices. However, the drop-in function of Echo Show and Echo Spot can be used like a video baby monitor. Place one of the Echo devices in your baby’s room and use the drop-in to look inside. But make sure that the child cannot be startled by sound or image. Ideally, however, you use a pure surveillance camera instead ( top ).