We began with smart speakers, then moved on to smart screens, and now we have smart screens that MOVE, such as the all-new Amazon Echo Show 10 3rd generation. What’s next, smart speaker screens embedded within one of the Boston Dynamics robot dogs which can basically creep all across your house? Maybe. In this review, I’ll go over what’s new in this edition of the Echo Show, just what can and cannot do, and whether it’s a great investment for one smart home.

What’s new in the Amazon Echo Show 10 3rd Generation?

While the screen size is the same as the previous amazon echo show, a 10.1-inch high-definition screen, it is now pinned on the upper corner of a cylindrical speaker base in this iteration. This enables the speaker to swivel nearly 360° and tilt the screen for the best view. With built-in cameras and cameras, this one is intended to simplify video calls.

The Swivel Base Lets You See & Be Seen

The swiveling action serves two functions. The first is that it enables you to make video calls as well as move around while staying in the frame. The second benefit is that it allows you to remotely control the onboard camera, allowing you to use the equipment as a 360° security camera.

What is Amazon Echo?

For those who are unfamiliar with or require a refresher, an Amazon Echo device is just a smart speaker with a built-in virtual assistant named Alexa. This online virtual assistant can assist you in running your smart home by responding to questions, setting timers but also alarms, playing new news, weather, traffic, and sports updates, as well as controlling your smart devices such as lighting, heating systems, locks, TVs, and much more. The Echo Show 10 3rd generation also includes a built-in Zigbee smart home hub, so you can get items like smart light bulbs without having to buy an extra hub or bridge.

Video calling on Echo Show 10: Skype, Chime, Zoom

You may also use Skype, Amazon’s Chime platform, and, in the near future, Zoom. To keep you centered, the 13MP camera employs auto-framing as well as pan and zoom.

I’m intrigued by the idea of using Show 10 on my desk to handle my Skype or Zoom videoconferencing for work while continuing to use my laptop for other tasks.

Making a Call with Alexa on Echo Show 10

Ask Alexa to call a connection or open the Alexa app on your smartphone and click Effective communication to see the devices you can call to initiate a video call with Alexa.

I tested the camera tracking feature during video calls, and it works perfectly. It’s convenient that you remain in the frame and have access to the screen.

Face Tracking: Echo Show 10 Follows You

Finally, even if you’re not making a call, the Echo Show 10 will implement you around the room so that the screen is always view, and especially if you’re talking to Alexa as you keep moving, the screen responds to your place at any particular time, which is both creepy and very cool.

Live Security Camera: Amazon Echo Show 10

The Show 10 as well as its swivel base can also be used as a mobile security camera.

The camera will rotate from side to side, covering a nearly 180-degree field of view. It’s important to note that the camera cannot tilt up or down on its own, which will cause you some issues in my hands-on experience. If you leave it tilted too far up while streaming video of someone waiting for a call and then return to use it as a surveillance camera, you’ll be stuck with that view. It’s no longer acceptable to keep an eye on the dogs…

However, the HD video view of space is extremely clear, and you can see exactly what is going on.

Even in low light, you’ll have a good view and be allowed to see what you have to. At night or in complete darkness, you have nothing; a massive black hole, which is a major issue for me. You can get $20 security cameras for night vision, so it’s mind-boggling that Show 10 doesn’t have one.

No night vision, no video recording on Amazon Echo Show 10: major flaws

This camera lacks night vision, which I believe is a major flaw. If there is some light, you can see, but if it is completely dark, you’re out of luck.

Another significant limitation is the fact that the camera does not record video; it is only capable of taking a live look.

Overall Review: Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

Overall, it appears that Amazon has made some major advancements with the new Echo Show 10. The new swivel base and design are much more chic and modern, and the person speaking has a much greater range. The sound is good, and the display is the perfect size for just a kitchen or bathroom. Downsides? I suppose it has a large footprint, and I believe the fact that the screen does not tilt limits its use as a special camera, along with the massive missing night vision piece. Furthermore, it does not record videos, so you only get to see what is visible in real-time.

However, if you want to replace an elderly Alexa streaming device, this is a great addition to your home. And once that Zoom calling feature is available, I’m certainly going to up my Zoom game and it will definitely report back.