Echo Show available in UK – Alexa now shows things

Amazon has announced that Echo Show, the first Echo to include a display, is now shipping in the UK.

If you pre-ordered the Echo Show back when we broke the news of Amazon’s latest device back in September, you will be receiving yours shortly.

However, the rest of you can now purchase one direct from Amazon as well as selected high street stores.

Echo Show

The Show’s display is designed to add to Alexa’s voice responses with useful, glanceable information you can see from across the room.

The display combines with an all-new 8 microphone array along the top of the device. This is equipped with Amazon’s beam-forming technology, and noise cancellation. This means that Echo Show can hear you from any direction–even while music is playing.

Powered by Dolby, the speakers are fine-tuned to deliver crisp vocals with dynamic bass response and immersive sound. And, with multi-room music, you can play music across multiple Echo devices simultaneously.

Now Alexa can show you things

With the addition of the screen, Alexa can now show you things.

Flash briefings now include video content from favourite news providers like BBC News, The Telegraph, MTV and more.

You can start a kitchen timer and see it count down, easily see and manage your family’s calendar, or ask to see your to do and shopping lists.

Furthermore, you can now ask Alexa to show you photos, movie show times, as well as movies and TV shows from Amazon Video.

Additionally, as you listen to music from Amazon Music, you’ll also see song lyrics and album art.

If you have smart home devices from brands like Ring, Arlo, Philips Hue, Hive, TP-Link, Netatmo, WeMo, Smart Things, and Tado, then you can use it to monitor your cameras and more.

Alexa calling and messaging

Echo Show also features Alexa calling and messaging. This is a new way to stay in contact with your friends and family.

[amazon_link asins=’B01BLTQ4XU’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’gadgnews-21′ marketplace=’UK’ link_id=”]All you have to do is ask Alexa to call mum, and you’ll be connected via video to her Echo Show or Alexa app.
 
You can also enable a feature called Drop In for when you want to quickly connect with your closest family and friends or other Echo devices in your home. For example, you can drop in to ask what time dinner will be ready, see the family room, or check in with a close relative.
 
Naturally, you can turn Drop In off at any time. You can also select who is allowed to Drop In on you, and choose which devices are available for Drop In.
 

Alexa is always getting smarter

Alexa—the brain behind Echo Show—is built in the cloud, so she is always getting smarter.

Alexa connects through the cloud automatically and is continually learning, as well as adding new functionality and skills.

Like Echo and Echo Dot, people using Echo Show can access thousands of Alexa skills, with new skills from OpenTable, Just Eat, National Rail, Mercedes, BBC News, The Telegraph, Evening Standard, LBC, MTV, 7Digital, Recipedia, Mail Recipes, Sky Sports Super 6, Liverpool FC, Arlo, Ring, and more. Better still, these have all been optimised for the display.

Price and availability

Echo Show is available in black or white for just £199.99.

You can also choose a 2-pack — buy 2, save £100.00. More information is available at www.amazon.co.uk/echoshow