Echo Show 5 (1st generation, 2019 model) | Display connected with Alexa | Keep in touch with help fromAlexa | Anthracite
That's it, the pre-orders ofEcho Show 5 are being delivered. Some lucky ones have even received it, our Facebook group starting to collapse under the photos! You know, The Alexians were looking forward to it. Not as much as his illustrious elder, which had unleashed passions for nearly six months, but enough so that we do not delay showing it to you from every angle.
The editorial staff having had the chance to discover it in preview during its presentation to the press, we have had plenty of time to take it in hand over the past few days, in order to better tell you about it today. Without further ado, here are our first impressions of this new device integrating Alexa, and let's see if, as the name suggests, Echo Show 5 is the worthy little brother of the very successful Echo Show 2...
Edit 20/06/2021: a new 2021 version is available. The difference is played out, essentially, by its new camera with a resolution of 2 Mpx. It offers a better quality image that we detail below:
Echo Show 5: small but strong
Unboxing
The new opus of the Echo range is presented, like its congeners, in a box containing the color code of the devices Amazon integrating the voice assistant Alexa. All dressed in blue, the packaging is as always of quality, and we promise a device as attractive on paper as it is on visuals which are affixed to it.
At the opening, we discover our first Echo Show 5 in a white livery Of the nicest effect. The finishes are up to the rest of the range, they do not suffer from the slightest defect, users ofAlexa and owners of Echo Show 2 will not be lost: Echo Show 5 has all of its predecessor, but in a much smaller format.
Measuring 14,8 x 8,6 x 7,3 cm, his screen of 5.5 inches (140 mm diagonal) with a resolution of 960 x 480 px does indeed make it good more compact and discreet, perfect for your bedside table for example. Some may prefer to put it on their desk, or in the kitchen. Echo Show 5 is a versatile device, everyone is free to place it wherever they want.
On the upper side, we discover the three classic buttons: two allowing to decrease or increase the volume, the third of mute microphones and camera. A fourth button also makes its appearance, and the least we can say is that it was expected: it isa camera cover.
Yes, as we told you in our first article on Echo Show 5, Amazon took into account the feedback from its customers and responded to their concern for confidentiality allowing them to hide the camera when they don't need it. An initiative that we would like to salute, proof that “customer obsession” is not an empty word at the world number 1 in e-commerce.
Last but not least, on the back of the device, we find not one, but two power ports : one "classic", the other in micro-USB format, allowing you to use the15W power supply supplied, or another in micro-USB format of the same power. What interest? Amazon probably thought of the nomadic users ofAlexa. In fact, many of them no longer know how to do without it even on vacation, some of them even taking it on board their motorhomes! This is a concrete example pending further information on this subject.
But back to our sheep, or more precisely to the back of the device. Echo Show 5 responds to a new deficiency of its big brother: it has, like the other devices in the range of a audio output in 3.5 mm jack format. Many will appreciate the possibility of being able to connect it to their Hi-Fi installation, a simple way of keeping quality equipment while bringing it into the voice assistantship area.
Besides, what about its sound qualities? Well, they are, so to speak, bluffing! The sound of this beautiful Echo Show 5 has nothing to envy to Echo Spot, and even undermines EchoDot 3 in our opinion. A richer bass sound thanks to a passive bass radiator. Some are sure to point out that it may be a bit too focused on the thing, but it is clear that users like the bass that is present. And, for those who mind, the equalizer is still there and will allow you to adjust the sound as you see fit.
Other fault resolved by Amazon : the strong reflectance of Echo Show 2 is here much less marked. Certainly, as on almost any screen, reflections appear in bright light, but nothing annoying this time. The PLS panel offers an excellent viewing angle (normal, this is the main quality of this type of slab) and the colorimetry appears to be more than honorable and widely in the sector average arising from smart .
In short, it's all good! Amazon seems to have responded to most of the faults observed on previous models ... The Alexians are now firmly awaiting their successors.
Information
Let's take a closer look the technical sheet of this Amazon Echo show 5.
Echo Show 5 in practice: new features for Alexa
Amazon, you know, never stops develop your voice assistant. If some grumpy people will object, wrongly, that it does not evolve, it is because their ignorance of the development of such a product is matched only by their bad faith. Yes, Alexa has evolved significantly in one year, and new features accompanying the release of Echo Show 5 are once again here to prove it to us.
But, before discussing this subject, let's move on to the installation itself of our device which, you will see, turns out to be once again a real child's play: a procedure always so simple and fast to carry out. Note, however, that unlike Echo Show 2, the device was not already pre-registered and associated with our accounts. Amazon.fr at the time of delivery. Rest assured, however, the installation should not take more than 5 minutes.
Echo Show 5 installation
- Place the Echo Show 5 at the location of your choice.
- Connect the AC adapter on'Echo Show 5 and on an electrical outlet.
- follow the instructions appearing on the screen and Choose your language, connect the device to a wireless network, Sign into your account Amazon, and read the Terms of Service.
- Make sure your device software is up to date by swiping down on the screen and going to Parameters > Device options > Check for updates. If an update is available, just tap to install it. Do not hesitate to do it immediately, this new opus of the Echo range accompanied by particularly interesting novelties.
NEW ARRIVALS Alexa
If the adoption of Echo Show 2 does not seem to have been as wide as we had expected, most likely due to a high price, we stick to our positions to the use of this Echo Show 5 : display devices, or smart displays, are on track to replace our now “traditional” connected speakers with voice assistant. If the Echo devices were the first to be equipped with screens with the first generation of Echo Show and the Echo Spot which may well bow out, the competition seems to take the same path and bet on screens, at the like Google and its Nest, or Lenovo and its smart displays. Again, for Amazon the goal is twofold: to satisfy the thirst for consumption of images of its users, and to lead them little by little to voice commerce with Alexa.
Video, a major new use
Who says screen, obviously says video ... As we mentioned following the presentation ofAmazon, multimodal or visual skills are logically on the way to becoming the norm. Echo Show 5 is therefore an opportunity to present several major updates of skills for display devices : BFMTV, LCI and France Info. Many others will follow, rest assured.
Still in the video department, the integration in progress wikiHow will allow you to access very soon video tutorials with a simple voice command. You will discover how to play chess, crack a coconut or cook green beans, and much more ...
Automation
This is a major grievance that was brought to Echo Show 2: the a little too simplistic management of the "connected home" part. the new dashboard available on all Echo Show devices will now give you even more control over your home automation equipment.
No need to pull the top flap anymore, a simple swipe of the screen starting from the right edge and swiping to the left now takes you to the screen "Connected home". You can also view the flow of a camera monitoring, access recently used equipment, and manage device groups. All while navigating with your fingertips and without having to disturb Alexa! Awesome, isn't it?
Echo Show 5 additionally offers two-way communication functionality with video doorbells by Ring. Thus, after having configured your Ring Video Doorbell 2, you will have the opportunity to see and interact with the person ringing at your door or spotted using the motion detector. A feature that should arrive soon at other manufacturers of connected doorphones, and we hope soon at Blink.
Here are some sample instructions:
- « Alexaanswer the door "
- « Alexa, Turn it on bedroom lamp»
- « Alexa, show me the front door camera »
policy
In addition to a camera cover, Amazon endowed Alexa new features that make it easier for users to erase their voice recordings across all of their compatible devices. Alexa. To do this, you will only have to go to Parameters > policy Alexa > View your voice command history (not yet available). Then you just have to say « Alexa, erase everything I said today ", and the corresponding records will be deleted.
Very soon, customers will also be able to delete their last request with the order. « Alexa, erase what I just said ". New Alexa Privacy Hub will provide centralized information on Alexa and privacy: videos explaining howAlexa, information on privacy control features, easy access to privacy settings, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Custom and predefined routines
We mentioned it yesterday in our columns, from new pre-configured routines are arriving but are still secret… Unfortunately, they literally disappeared during our test! We were nevertheless able to see a “good night” routine. Case to follow!
Alexa Sunrise
A new feature, called Alexa Sunrise and activated by default, is now triggered when an alarm clock is set between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.: 15 minutes before it rings, the screen gradually lights up until it is turned off. A nice option which confirms to us, if need be, that the preferred terrain of your Echo Show 5 may well be your bedside table. Some may prefer to keep their Echo Spot, a device probably doomed to become a collector and which risks never knowing a successor.
Its reduced size and its successful design allow it to blend seamlessly into our interiors, while offering us advanced features that we could qualify as "second generation" as the use of a voice assistant is revolutionized by the support offered by a screen. A particularly valuable help when it comes to managing your connected objects thanks to the new "connected home" screen which we find very convincing. We can not wait to see it arrive on Echo Show 2.
Her sound qualities are quite honorable, not to say surprising if we take into account the reduced size of the device. Screen side, there too Amazon reworked his copy well. A subject on which we will come back in more detail in a future article.
Finally, and we can only congratulate the teams ofAmazon to be also attentive to the wishes of their customers: Echo Show 5 fully plays the confidentiality card with, on the one hand, a integrated camera cover which disables the 1Mpix camera, and on the other hand new features implemented in Alexa allowing us tovoice erase recordings.
In short, you will understand, it's all good! The Alexians are once again won over and warmly recommend theAmazon Echo show 5.
Hello,
I just configured the device.
That's fine, but I'm disappointed that the rear micro-USB socket does not allow configuring an Ethernet link as is the case on the echo Show 2… which has exactly the same rear sockets.
A second possibility of feeding is of little interest; if we move the device we can take the power supply wire with it.
It seems, but we are still not sure, that this port allows to add an external battery. We will inquire withAmazon to know more.
[EDIT]: After contact, Amazon confirms that there is indeed an error Amazon.fr and that this port is for an Internet connection via an Ethernet to micro-USB cable.
Also received yesterday !! I do not regret my purchase !! Already want to order a 2nd !!
Great the test! Barely out and you make me want to crack. Do you think an ECHO SPOT or an ECHO SHOW5 is better for a bedroom? Sound quality level, is there a big difference? thanks in advance
You too? It's crazy the effect it can have on us this little Show 5. 😉
I would say that it is the design of the device and the intended use that determine. In our opinion, it is a successor to Echo Spot, which should not know version 2. Everything is done to make it the device of our bedside tables, in particular with its functionality Alexa Sunrise, but it can certainly find its place elsewhere. If having good sound quality in your room is a criteria, then Echo Show 5 will be the best choice. Same thing if you want an extra screen, that of Echo Spot is rather anecdotal. However, if you just want a connected “clock radio”, Echo Spot is for you.
Hello,
First of all, well done for your fascinating site. For a new Alexienne like me it's a real bible.
You talk about motorhomes and I travel a lot with them. Do you think I can connect Echo directly to a usb socket or do you need an adapter? Thank you for your answer and again well done!
Thanks Nicole! 🙂
It all depends on the take, I would say. We should check the power it delivers, Echo Show 5 requiring 12V / 1.25A.
Excellent day!
Hello, I have a few questions about this little device that could be my next alarm clock.
Can we have a web radio or a podcast as a ringtone?
Is the “snooze” time fixed at 9 minutes or is it adjustable?
Is there a limit on the number of configurable alarms?
How does show5 behave in the event of a power cut? In practice, in the event of a night-time shutdown, will it be operational as a wake-up call when the current returns?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
Hi,
1- Yes, you can completely choose music on Amazon Music, Spotify or Deezer, a radio or a podcast on TuneIn (there are millions of them), etc.
2- No, the "snooze" functionality is not adjustable for the time being, but that does not mean that it will not be updated ...
3- You can put as many alarms as you want: certain days, only during the week or the weekend, or every day. These settings can be made directly on the Echo Show 5 screen, in voice with Alexa, or from your smartphone with the app Alexa,
3- In the event of a power cut, Echo Show 5 will switch off, of course, but will restart without forgetting any of your settings since these are made on Alexa, in the cloud.
Hoping to have answered your questions well,
Good night!
Thanks very much ! 😀
You talk about a power cut, but if the internet box goes out, does the alarm ring?
Yes, absolutely, Echo devices use a default ringtone in this case. If Echo Show 5 is disconnected and you've chosen a radio as your alarm clock, for example, this default ringtone will take over. So you can sleep peacefully!
OK if the power cut ONLY concerns the box.
But if the cut also concerns the Echo Show during the period including your scheduled wake-up time, it will not notify you.
(there is no internal battery)
Hello Alexians!
Owner of a Dot3, I admit that the Show5 is eyeing me.
To be sure:
No need to have the app on the phone anymore to configure the Show5 as is the case with a Dot?
So we can do everything via the screen, a bit like a Dominica central? (That would be my main use).
Hello Nicolas,
Indeed, Echo Show 5 allows you to do almost everything on the screen. It does not completely dispense with the application, since it remains necessary for certain settings or for the routines, but it makes it possible to do without it most of the time and is indeed configured directly on the screen. At home automation level, its new "Connected Home" screen also available on Echo Show 2 indeed allows quick access to the various compatible connected objects without having to request it by voice. Alexa. In short, it is an excellent smart display!
Hello,
I received my echo show 5, owner of a dot 2 echo, I am disappointed with the sound output whenAlexa speaks, it feels like a box, the sound is not clear at all, and no integrated sound adjustment changes the problem, we really have the impression that we are putting a good big rag on the speaker output . I just had the customer service over the phone who gave it to me directly, but I would like to know if some of you have the same problem, that is to say a big difference in sound between the Dot echo and echo Show 5?
When I receive the new one I will tell you whether it is different or not.
Regarding the functionalities and the device, it is nickel all the functions I need for my connected devices (cameras, switches and lamps), on this point nothing to complain about, I love it ...
Hi,
Yes, it has a big difference: Echo Dot 2 has an incomparably poorer sound. Admittedly, Echo Show 5 is too focused on bass, but the updates have already solved this problem a bit. We expect more, but in any case this one can not be considered less good than that of the Dot 2. We bet that your new device will solve these problems.
Note, however, that an equalizer can be a game-changer.
cordially
Thank you for your answer that reassures me a little. Do you think that on the micro usb socket we could connect a usb key via a specific cable in order to listen to the music which would be recorded there? My means do not allow me to have a music subscription and I thought I would go through this outlet to broadcast my own music!
Thank you
Unfortunately no… Information obtained fromAmazon, this USB socket allows an Internet connection via an Ethernet adapter for example. However, Amazon will be rolling out a free music service, obviously with some publicity, in the coming months. Otherwise, solutions exist for listen to free (or almost) music on Alexa exist. 🙂
Have a good day
It is currently 49 € 90 when ordering by Alexa .
Hello, I have just purchased the echo show 5 and I would like to know if it is possible to have the sports results of the French basketball championship displayed on the screen, with the application alexa , settings and sports news. I know we can do it with American basketball teams.
Thank you
Hi,
Unfortunately, no, not at this time. Many sports are missing championships! : '(
Hello,
What is the exact adapter to put in RJ45?
Goods.
Hello,
Any Ethernet to micro-USB OTG adapter should do the trick. 🙂
Good Sunday
Echo show 5 is 100/1000 compatible.
If you had a reference, that would help me a lot, because there are a lot of choices in type C, but I would like not to make mistakes on the usb connection.
Thank you for your answers.
I found this one, but can't be sure if it's compatible for the Echo Show 5.
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B07M8GSLQB/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza