Amazon Echo Show 8 (4th gen) & Echo Show 11 — Hands-on Overview
Amazon just refreshed its Echo Show lineup with two new smart displays: the fourth‑generation Echo Show 8 (8.7″ display) and the Echo Show 11 (11″ display). Both switch to a sleeker, fabric‑covered curved design and offer upgraded internals aimed at making them better smart‑home hubs.
Design & Display
Both models feature slim tablet‑style HD screens (8.7″ or 11″) mounted on rounded bases with mesh fabric on the rear. The new look is a clear departure from the older wedge shape — cleaner, more elegant, and easier to angle.
Camera & Video
Each Echo Show includes a 13MP camera with auto‑framing that tracks faces during video calls. Note: neither model includes a motor to physically rotate the display like the older Echo Show 10 — Amazon appears to rely on software auto‑framing instead.
Performance & Software
Amazon equips the new Echo Shows with the AZ3 Pro chip for snappier touch and gesture responsiveness. The refreshed UI is simple and fast, with quick access to video, music, settings, and calendar. Displays look vibrant with wide viewing angles.
Audio & Controls
Physical volume buttons and a mic/camera toggle are on the right side. No USB‑C — power is via a single barrel plug. Audio performance details weren’t fully compared at the preview, but the devices borrow design cues from Amazon’s higher‑end Echo Studio and Dot Max.
Smart Home & Connectivity
Both units support Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, making them strong candidates as central smart‑home controllers. Amazon also added Wi‑Fi radar for more contextual Alexa interactions and improved voice‑only routine creation.
Pricing & Availability
- Echo Show (4th gen, 8.7″) — $180 (preorder)
- Echo Show 11 (11″) — $220 (preorder)
They are available for pre‑order and are scheduled to start shipping on November 12. For more details or to preorder, see the Amazon product searches below:
Bottom Line
These refreshed Echo Shows are a tasteful design upgrade with improved cameras, faster responsiveness, and solid smart‑home support. If you use Alexa as your hub, they’re a meaningful refresh — especially for those who want Matter/Thread/Zigbee support.
Which features matter most to you — rotating display, better speakers, or smart‑home integration? Tell us in the comments.