Smart home
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) With Better Camera Launched in India
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) price in India, availability details
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) price in India has been set at Rs. 13,999. However, Amazon is currently selling the device at a discounted price of Rs. 11,499 for a limited period. The Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) comes in Black and White colours — just like the original Echo Show 8.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) is available for purchase through Amazon.in, and customers can bundle the device with a smart bulb at an additional price of Rs. 100 or a smart plug for TVs and chargers at Rs. 599.
To draw a comparison, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) was launched in the US at $130 (roughly Rs. 9,700) and the first-generation Echo Show 8 was introduced in India at Rs. 8,999.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) specifications
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) has the same 8-inch adaptive colour display with a 1,280×800 pixels resolution that came with the original Echo Show 8. You’ll also get the identical 2-inch neodymium stereo speakers along with a passive radiator that featured on the previous model. However, the biggest change in the Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) over the last-generation model is its 13-megapixel camera. This is significantly larger in megapixel count over the 1-megapixel camera available on the older Echo Show 8. The new camera sensor also supports Amazon’s auto-framing feature that enables automatic pan and zoom — just like on the Echo Show 10.
Amazon has also provided an upgraded, octa-core MediaTek MT8183 processor on the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) to deliver faster performance over the original Echo Show 8 model that had a quad-core MediaTek MT8163 SoC. On the downside, the new Echo Show 8 doesn’t include a 3.5mm jack that is there on the older model to let you connect your phone or other devices through an aux cable. You can, however, still connect over Bluetooth to play your favourite music tracks. There is support for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) to stream audio between your mobile device and Echo Show 8 and enable audio streaming to a Bluetooth speaker.
In addition to playing songs from your phone, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) lets you play music through Web services including Amazon Prime Music, Apple Music, Gaana, Hungama, JioSaavn, and Spotify. You can also ask Alexa to play your favourite movies or TV shows from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Alexa can also make hands-free video calls or control any of your compatible smart home devices. Additionally, the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) lets you remotely monitor your home and view live video feed using its built-in camera, directly on your smartphone or other Echo Show devices.
The Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) can also be a digital frame in your room and show your memories from Facebook Photos. When not in use, you can close the camera sensor of the Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) using the inbuilt physical cover and turn its microphone off with a press of a button.
Connectivity options on the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) comprise dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The device measures 200x135x99mm and weighs 1.3kg.
Google TV Streamer Design Leak
In a report, 9to5Google shared images of the purported Google TV Streamer, hinting at its design. The device is said to have been redesigned, with Google ditching the dongle-like form factor. Until now, all Google Chromecast devices have featured the same design, with the ability to be hung on the back of the TV while attached to the HDMI port.
However, the new device may reportedly have a pill-shaped slanting structure, perhaps resembling a Wi-Fi router.
Leaked Image of the Purported Google TV Streamer
Photo Credit: 9to5Google
Google TV Streamer appears to have two cables running out from the back. The device is speculated to be minimal in height, potentially making its placement easier beneath TVs. As per the report, the TV Streamer’s remote seems similar to the existing model with the D-Pad, back and home buttons in the top half. However, the voice input button no longer appears to have the Google Assistant branding, with the company potentially opting for a generic button. The volume buttons may be brought to the remote’s front facia, instead of being placed on the sides.
Furthermore, the report suggests Google may ditch the “Chromecast” moniker, with the device being called “Google TV Streamer” instead.
This development corroborates a previous report which claimed that Google was in the process of developing a successor to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV (4K) device. It was reportedly codenamed “YTC”, and was discovered following a preview update of the Google Home app. It was said to be mentioned along with earlier versions “YTV” (Chromecast with Google TV) and “YTB” (Chromecast HD).
Amazon Prime Day 2024 sale deals on Amazon products
Amazon announced in a press note that a number of its self-branded smart home appliances will be available at significantly discounted rates during the upcoming Amazon Prime Day 2024 sale. People can get Fire TV Stick, Echo smart speakers with Alexa support, and other Alexa smart home combinations with up to 55 percent discount.
Customers can buy the Amazon Echo Pop at the lowest effective price of Rs. 2,449, while the Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) can be bought at the lowest effective price of Rs. 3,999. These are currently retailing in the country at Rs. 3,999 and Rs. 8,999, respectively. Offers and deals on the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) can bring down the effective price to Rs. 8,999 during the sale. This is currently priced in the country at Rs. 13,999.
The e-commerce site is also extending offers on combo deals on Amazon smart home products. An Echo Dot (5th Generation) and a Wipro Simple Setup 9W LED Smart Bulb can together be bought at a price of Rs. 4,749, while the combination of an Echo Dot (4th Generation) with clock and a Wipro 9W LED smart colour bulb can be purchased at Rs. 3,749 during the upcoming sale.
People can also get the Echo Pop alongside a Wipro Simple Setup 9W LED Smart Bulb for Rs. 2,749 and the Echo Pop together with an Amazon Smart Plug at Rs. 2,948.
During the sale, customers can also get the Fire TV Stick at the lowest possible price of Rs. 2,199, down 56 percent from its usual price of Rs. 4,499. The Fire TV Stick Lite with Alexa Voice Remote Lite can be purchased at the lowest effective price of Rs. 1,999, while the Fire TV Stick 4K can be bought with a 43 percent discount at Rs. 3,999, down from its retail price of Rs. 5,999. Interested buyers can also get smart television with inbuilt Fire TV with discounts of up to 50 percent.
Apple HomePod Mini colour options, price in India, availability
The Apple HomePod Mini, priced at Rs. 10,900, has been introduced in a new colour option named Midnight. Apple says that this variant is made with 100 percent recycled mesh fabric. It will be available for sale in India, the US and 30 other countries worldwide starting July 17.
The new colourway is similar to the Space Grey option that the HomePod Mini initially launched with. After the new Midnight shade was unveiled, the online listing of the speaker did not display the grey option. Therefore, the new colour option seems to have replaced the grey one.
Alongside the new Midnight shade, the Apple HomePod Mini is also currently available in the India in blue, orange, white and yellow colourways.
Apple HomePod Mini specifications, features
The Apple HomePod Mini is powered by the Apple S5 chipset and an additional U1 chip to enable UWB support which allows it to track other Apple devices for media controls as well as interacting with other smart home devices. It also sports a touch-sensitive light-emitting panel on top which allows users to control the volume of the device.
The HomePod Mini allows people to use the Intercom feature to send messages from one unit to another. It is compatible with an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, as well as car speakers with the CarPlay function. The smart speaker is equipped with Siri but the requests to the voice assistant are not associated with an Apple ID.
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