Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023) Cloud Blue

Upgraded from a regular echo to this in kitchen. Love it, especially having visual reminders of any timers set, being able to watch movies etc. only downside is no Netflix.

I was having trouble trying to get it set up. I put a negative review on Amazon due to the setup issue. Within hours (hours – not days), Amazon contacted me to help. They could not get it to work, but they are sending a replacement.

So, I recently added the Echo Show 5 to my smart home squad, and let me tell you, it’s not just a device; it’s the family’s new best friend, and the kids think it’s cooler than ice cream. At the Black Friday price? We simply could not beat the value.

First off, Alexa’s voice recognition is a mind-reader. In the chaos of my bustling household, it effortlessly catches my commands, proving it’s the multitasking maestro we all need. Weather check? Set a timer for cookie baking. Queue up a dance party playlist? Alexa’s got it covered like a pro-party planner.

Now, the Echo Show 5’s display maybe 5.5 inches, but it’s a powerhouse. Crystal-clear visuals turn video watching, web browsing, and even virtual storytime into a delightful experience. It’s like having a personal assistant with a dash of magic for the kids.

And the sound quality? It’s a mini-concert in our living room! Those dual 1.7-inch speakers deliver audio so crisp, it’s like having a front-row seat to the coolest show in town. Alexa plays their favorite tune, and suddenly, the room transforms into a private VIP lounge for the whole family.

But the real showstopper? Video calls! The high-res camera turns video chats into virtual hangouts that are almost as good as having grandma in the room. Skype, and Zoom – they’re all here to make family connections stronger than ever. It’s like the Echo Show 5 is the high-tech bridge connecting generations.

And for family multitasking? Alexa’s got it covered. Smart device control, daily news updates, weather forecasts, recipe suggestions – it’s like having your concierge who also knows how to tell a good joke. Seriously, ask Alexa for a joke; the kids love it.

Setting up the Echo Show 5 was smoother than a bedtime story. Even for those of us who consider ourselves tech-challenged, it’s a breeze. The interface? Kid-friendly and intuitive, making it a win for the whole family.

In conclusion, the Echo Show 5 isn’t just a smart display; it’s an all-in-one family entertainer and organizer. It’s the smart investment that turns your home into a party zone for the kids, a communication hub for the family, and a tech-savvy sidekick for the parents. If you want a device that keeps everyone happy and connected, grab the Echo Show 5 – it’s the smart home upgrade that’s truly family-approved! 🎉✨

The short answer is this is a very good device, and I would recommend it. So why 4 stars? Well, I am basing this on the 1st GEN of the Show 5 and just Alexia issues in general. I will list the cons first and then get to the positive. The 1st GEN and 2nd GEN are basically the same almost no difference from what I understand.

– My overall biggest issue and this is all Alexia devices, she just does not listen. Basically she is temperamental! She thinks you say something other than what you said or just makes suggestions for no reason. When you ask her to stop it is not fast at all. AMAZON FIX THIS!!!!!!! This is sort of like a partner or friend that is upset and will not stop talking. Yes, you know what I am talking about….lol

– The software OR firmware needs to be updated or improved. Amazon absolutely needs to have a enable or disable all for all the screen options. For example, most people turn off nearly all the options in the Home and Clock area; there are a ton, and you need to do one-by-one.

– When making changes, there is a delay. Took nearly 3 or 4 min for the clock interface to change. Should be immediate and then if I don’t like to allow me to go back. Instead, I make a change and I thought was broken because nothing happens; tried 5 times After a few min it finally switched.

– Improved, however, there is still a big delay the touch screen.

– Amazon really needs give you the options to have her stop telling asking you if you want to buy amazon music if you ask to listen to a particular artist. It will play it but first tells asks if you want to buy music for X $ a month.

THE POSITIVES:
+ The Sound is greatly improved except for her voice itself. If listening to music, you 100% do get better sound from the previous version. Main reason I got it.

+ The screen size is the same, but the body is a smaller footprint.

+ It is no longer rectangular, but more of a curved design so just looks nicer.

+ As I mentioned earlier, the touch screen is better but still not great. However, it is a little faster and not worse so I guess a win.

Overall it boils down to this….. if you have a 1st or 2nd gen and you are happy with the audio then skip it not necessary. However, if you want better sound for music then I say it’s worth it. If you do not have any Show device the 5 is a nice choice especially if using on a nightstand.

bought this for a fathers day gift and on fathers day went to set it up and it just keeps going in to loading mode. Can’t return it because outside of window but never used because it does not work. I was saving it for a gift when I bought it.
update!! They were able to fix it and customer service was super responsive!!