Amazon Echo Show 15: Wall-Mounted Smart Display

Amazon Unveils the Echo Show 15: A Large-Scale Smart Display

Amazon has recently introduced its newest addition to the Echo Show lineup – the Echo Show 15. This device represents the largest smart screen offered by the company to date.

A Wall-Mounted Digital Hub

The Echo Show 15 features a 15.6-inch 1080p display, designed to be mounted on a wall and function as both a smart screen and a substantial digital picture frame. It’s available for $250.

This new offering expands the Echo Show family, which currently includes the Echo Show 5, Echo Show 8, and the Echo Show 10, the latter of which gained attention for its screen that automatically rotates to follow users.

Personalized Experience with Visual ID

The Echo Show 15 introduces Visual ID, a facial recognition technology. This feature identifies individuals and delivers customized content tailored to each user.

Customizable Home Screen and Widgets

The device centers around a customizable home screen, intended to act as a central control panel for the Alexa smart home system.

Users can personalize the screen with widgets, adding elements like calendar events, to-do lists, and recipes. This functionality effectively creates a digital whiteboard or a collection of interactive notes.

Smart home controls, including feeds from security cameras and video doorbells, are integrated as a single widget for convenient access.

Ample Screen Real Estate

The Echo Show 15’s large screen provides significant space for displaying information. It can show multiple data points simultaneously, utilizing tiling or picture-in-picture functionality when alerts, such as those from a video doorbell, appear.

The concept is similar to the integrated displays found in Samsung’s smart refrigerators, but at a considerably lower cost.

Entertainment and Streaming Capabilities

Beyond its smart home functions, the Echo Show 15 operates as a large-screen entertainment device. It supports streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, and Hulu.

Sling TV support is coming soon, as is access to TikTok content, which can now be viewed on the 15.6-inch display.

Audio and Camera Features

The 1080p screen is paired with side-firing speakers. While suitable for short audio clips, external Echo devices or Bluetooth speakers are recommended for extended music playback or movie viewing.

A five-megapixel camera is integrated into the device’s bezel, highlighted by a white border. The visible camera aims to address privacy concerns, offering transparency regarding its presence.

Potential for Business Applications

The device supports video conferencing, potentially making it useful in business settings. Amazon is promoting Alexa for Business, aiming to integrate its hardware into workplaces.

The Echo Show 15 could serve as a cost-effective teleconferencing solution for companies with limited budgets and numerous conference rooms. It can display weather information, corporate events, and room booking schedules when not in use.

Privacy Considerations

A physical shutter is included to cover the camera. However, some users may prefer to physically disconnect the device for added privacy.

Amazon has stated that the face-tracking feature does not utilize specific facial details for tracking purposes.

Enhanced Features and Processing Power

Visual ID requires user opt-in and allows profile deletion through the device or the Alexa app. Amazon anticipates expanding this feature across its Echo Show products.

The display is powered by Amazon’s new quad-core AZ2 chip, featuring an on-board neural processor. This chip handles much of the processing locally, minimizing the need to send Visual ID data to the cloud.

Despite these measures, privacy advocates may still have concerns regarding Amazon’s facial recognition technology.

Sound Detection Updates

The Echo Show 15 includes an updated version of the Sound Detection feature, initially released in beta. This feature detects specific sounds, such as breaking glass or a baby crying, and sends alerts to the user.

A new “Custom Sounds” feature allows users to train the system to recognize specific sounds and trigger alerts accordingly.

Availability and Pricing

The Echo Show 15 is priced at $250 and will be available later this year.

While build quality remains to be assessed, the price point suggests a need for more than just a scaled-up digital photo frame, especially considering its intended use as a permanently mounted or displayed device. Countertop stands and cabinet mounts will be available separately.