At its annual fall event, Amazon announced new and refreshed Echo Show devices, including the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) that can use the camera to act as a security camera.
The most impressive part of the Echo Show 10 is the intelligent movement feature. Amazon noted that while the device may be stationary, it understands that users are not. Since the Echo Show is so often depicted as being used in the kitchen, a room where customers move around a lot while cooking, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) is equipped with a motor that allows the screen to follow you.
The new Echo Show 10 will face you when you move, whether you are trying out a new recipe or chatting with a friend — or more than one friend through the new Group Calling feature. You can stay in touch with friends and family for virtual happy-hour get-togethers. As an added bonus, Amazon is introducing new video effects to add more variety to your calls.
Amazon also said that in addition to the existing Skype support, Alexa will begin supporting Zoom later this year.
The specs for the Echo Show 10 are nothing to sneeze at. As its name suggests, the Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) has a 10-inch screen and a 13-megapixel camera. It also has a 2.1 audio system that uses adaptive sound.
Another impressive feature is Alexa Guard. By utilizing the camera on the Echo Show 10, you can turn your smart display into a smart security camera. You can view the live feed of the camera from the Alexa app or from another Echo Show, and you will receive an alert if the camera detects someone when you aren’t around. The camera will pan around the room automatically to search for motion. Amazon says the movement is completely silent thanks to a brushless motor that allows the camera to pan without making a decibel of noise.
To address the privacy concerns, the Echo Show 10 comes with a physical camera shutter. You can also ask Alexa how to review your privacy settings, or ask Alexa to delete everything you’ve said. As one final bit of news, Amazon announced that Netflix will be available on the Echo Show later this year. The price for the Echo Show 10 is set at $249.99, but Amazon didn’t reveal when it is coming.
