Amazon shows us the new Echo Show 5
Amazon's 3rd gen of Echo Show 5 improves the microphones, speaker and adds Matter support.
BTTR is independent, but when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Find out more.
I can't be the only one who got excited by the idea of smart speakers when they first came out, thinking they would be like a real-world JARVIS from Iron Man.
The reality was nowhere near as exciting. Still, the category kind of kicks on, and Amazon has unveiled its third generation of Echo Show 5.
The Alexa device offers a 5-inch screen, which can be used for watching news clips, checking a Ring Doorbell, viewing shopping lists or recipes or making a somewhat awkward video call.
For the third generation, Amazon has reengineered the microphone array and upgraded the processor, so you'll get better performance and faster responses from audio commands.
Amazon has also boosted the internal speaker from 1.65-inch to 1.75-inch, so it should offer better sound as well.
The other big change is support for the Matter protocol, which allows for improved control over smart devices on your home network. It will also connect in with the Amazon Echo Hub.
From a sustainability standpoint, Amazon has improved its efforts, with the new Echo 5's fabric made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and its aluminium made from 100% recycled aluminium.
The packaging is made of 99% wood fibre-based materials, which is sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Pricing and availability
The Amazon Echo Show 5 third generation is available for pre-order now, with devices available from July 10. It will be available in black, white and cloud blue, with an RRP of $169.
