The Amazon Echo Show 15, which doubles as smart TV, can easily be the best bet for your kitchen. The fully HD 15.6″ brilliant display is the most expensive, at $249. The display is meant to be hung on the wall, which shakes up the notion of intelligent displays. It is more like a central hub where the family can leave notes for each other’s, interact, watch and watch their favorite subscriptions.
The Echo show 15 is worth it compared to other intelligent displays though there is scope for a better camera. The display has now got the latest upgrade with a Fire TV inbuilt. The display is as helpful as a mini-TV. Amazon has released a free update that interfaces the Fire TV with an intelligent display. Here you can find a range of apps. The Amazon Echo Show 15 puts Alexa on the wall and provides you with a large screen with useful widgets, but the sound could be better so that you can revel on screen, find content and see the shows.
You can also take Alexa’s help to open the app or stream any content. The advantage is that you can pair the Amazon Alexa echo 15 Voice Remote with the mobile Fire Tv and navigate the menus and contents without smudging the screen. However, a remote is available virtually for the Echo show 15. Therefore, you will not require a separate controller for the apps that do not recognize touch.
The makers have made the launch of Fire TV attractive. Amazon offers a limited-time bundle plan of $195, including the display and Alexa Voice Remote. Existing echo show owners can get the remote at $10 via the touchscreen and, in the process, get a $20 discount. The Echo Show 15 is not for some. The Speakers and camera are average, and the limited widget range is limited. The inclusion of Fire Tv can help justify the current design.
Amazon Echo Show 15 Review
Design
The Amazon Echo shows 15 resembles a super-sized photo frame with a black border. It is not showy or the rotating display type, as seen in Echo Show 10. Its dimension of 15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 is considerable. The smart display includes the Facebook portal+ has a 14-inch display. On the top edge are the buttons for controlling the volume. There is a slider to turn off the mic and cover the camera lens. There is just enough room at the back to keep the wires with a small recess for the power port. The power plug cannot be hidden behind, and the cord and plug stick out.
Installation
The echo show 15 has a metal bracket for mounting with four screws and plastic anchors to secure the display to the wall. Also, the box contains a template for drilling holes. A significant difference between Echo Show 15 and other smart displays from amazon is that it has new Widget features that can help you to customize as you like.
The Echo Show 15 can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal orientation. Consider the height of family members so that they are installed at a height that is not too high or too low. Also, the maximum height at which it is hung should ensure that one can easily reach the slider and volume when trying to control it.
While setting up, you can create profiles for each family member so that the information is classified for each member. The Echo Show 15 can switch between profiles automatically when using a visual or voice ID. The former takes a few snaps of the face while later requires you to speak a few phrases for identification purposes. During the setup process, you can decide whether or not you want to activate the Amazon Sidewalk on this display.
Performance
The new Widget features help you customize the display per your choice. The 14 widgets offered at launch have basic features such as a calendar, weather, smart home controls to-do list. The primary marker for distinguishing Echo show 15 from others is the widgets. There is, however, the scope for improvements. Presently Widgets are not resizeable, and you cannot slide or mimic the widget tray close or open. The problem is six widgets are selected, which will take up half the display space.
The sticky notes and to-do list widget show the list of groceries etc. Tapping on the widget will pop up a screen, and you can type your items. No dictation to Alexa is allowed. The smart home widget is helpful as it lets you turn on and off smart lights while also getting live views from the home security camera.
One drawback here is that if you are playing music on the Echo show 15 while viewing live the camera feed that has audio, then the Echo Show 15 gets confused and needs to decide which one to prioritize first. The touch display needs to catch up to other smart displays. The response was sluggish, including the on-screen animations.
Camera
The Echo Show 5MP camera does not have features for digital tracking, unlike the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10, Nest Hub Max, and Facebook portal. The Echo show 15 will benefit the maximum if this feature is provided. Since the display is large and cannot be carried around, you need a camera to track and follow you when you move around.
Display
The Echo Show 15 display of 1080p for its 15 and 15 .6 inches should not be your primary device for watching streaming shows. It is perfect for the kitchen.
For The Echo Show, 15 is the answer.
While you can stream Netflix, Prime Videos, and Hulu and even connect to Fire Tv recast to get OTA channels, the Echo Show 15 lacks the option on some excellent streaming services like HBO Max and Disney+.
The Echo Show 15 can make a nice digital photo frame. If you have an account with Amazon Prime, you can upload full-resolution images to Amazon photos. It is the best photo storage site, and unlimited images can be uploaded.
Audio
The dual speakers are perfect for the size of Echo Show 15, but if you are looking for a smart speaker, this is not the best choice. The speakers are at par with the Echo Dot- 4th Gen instead of a full-size Echo Dot.
Fire TV Support
Amazon added Fire Tv support in December 2022 to Echo Show 15. It allows you to use the device as tiny smart TV. Once you access the Fire TV section, the device behaves like any. You can access movies, shows, or any content across the app installed. If you have a Fire TV Recast, you can watch Over- The- Air content.
You can control the Fire TV interface by using the controls on the screen but pairing a smart display with Alexa. Voice is easier. The remote can be used sparingly when not watching videos, like controlling the music volume.
Smart Home
- The Echo Show 15 acts as a smart home hub.
- You can access all smart devices compatible with Alexa.
- Controlling smart lights or security cameras is a plus.
- Still, you can ask about the weather, and get sports and recipe recommendations, to name a few.
Conclusion
The echo show 15 is like a family refrigerator without the refrigerator features. It is a focal point where the family can check on others about their day’s activity. It works mostly. The drawback is the camera tracking for the price it is available. The latest update makes this device more compelling. Earlier it was used to listen to music or set timers while cooking. The fire TV functions can help one in the kitchen catch up while preparing a big meal. The Echo Show 15 is now available below $200, an attractive buy to get a big screen powered centrally by Alexa.
