New Echo Hub: Amazon's BEST Echo with a Screen?!

[@Jason-mk3nn]

It is about time that Amazon actually made a hub that is focussed around actual use cases. Nice video, Craig.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Jason. I agree with you. It was needed

[@jaycorbin]

I’m glad that Amazon finally made a display where you don’t have to swipe through 5 ads just to turn the lights on.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on that. The screens on every Echo Show is annoying

[@wolf040882]

looks like the product ive been waiting for. No ads !

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I just hope it stays this way. Unfortunately we can’t trust Amazon not to make changes.

[@faengelm]

What specific clock setting did you use to get the clock to be full-screen screen as shown in your Intro? How did you get 4 cameras to appear on the home screen? I only get the camera icons until I touch one and then select multi-view

[@islandsnow]

Can you turn off the proximity sensor if I want my cameras up all the time regardless if I’m in front of the device or not?

[@rickfimple7866]

I like it. I have the echo show 15 mounted in my kitchen, which i really enjoy. I used to have the echo show 8 on the counter...but it is nice to get my counter space back. I do enjoy the "art work" display when the echo15 is not in use. When the 15 came out, I had a feeling this would be the direction Amazon would be going. Mountable echos, that disappear into your environment. I am like you, just give me a quick way to control my smart home, and a clock. If I have the ability to casually listen to a podcast, thats even better. definitely will be picking this up for the upstairs.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I hope you enjoy it when yours comes in. It is nice to see the mountable options. Glad to hear the 15 is working out well for you. I would have loved to see this interface on the 15. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.

[@nigelstockley7011]

Thanks again, Craig. Been looking to see this out of interest. Sadly im transitioning away from Amazon Echo for my smart home but one device I have and will keep is the Show 15 but Amazon are slowly ruining the device with ads. I like the simplicity of "clock" then "smart home or widgets" but the cynic in me wonders how long it will take Amazon to take the device you have bought in good faith relying on the fact its just a clock... and then start serving up ads on that screen whether you like it or not.

[@elwyrick]

Like many others have said, the clock only stays visible for a short time and then the screen goes blank. Craig, if you have an answer for that, please respond. Maybe I missed it. I've been unable to find any setting that keeps the clock on.

[@JedEckert]

I just received mine today. How do I keep the screen from going dark after 1 minute of sitting idle?

[@adonaivictor4493]

That large number clock screen man, I’ve waiting for that clock for years

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It is so sad that we have all been waiting for this for years. I was excited to see a big clock. Thanks for watching.

[@Amoux_Fang]

I found a 2018 echo show and am using that at my desk. Amazon pumps out a lot of ways to use their smart things for your smart house but is lacking in the Alexa department with skills and matter and such things. Great video by the way!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. I am with you on the skills. I wish they would step up their game. Thanks for watching.

[@faengelm]

Does it support cameras other than Ring?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Yes it does. You can choose any of your echo supported cameras. I can see all of my Aqara cameras and my Eufy cameras as available for the Home Screen. Thanks for watching and for being a channel member. Have a great day.

[@jackspence1]

I am assuming you can cast the a fire stick from the hub? It is bluetooth so you could send music to a blue tooth speaker? Thanks for you vids .... based on them, I ordere the hub, cancelled another echo 8 ... was going to go with the echo 15 but it looks like it is not even available any longer. I think it would have been much too large after watching your demo of it anyways. Cheers, and thanks, JMS Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

[@JBengey]

Nice video, nearly bought an echo 15, but only need it for cameras and lights, this is far more practical. Glad I've seen this.

[@nrusso131]

Any confirmation that there will not be ads added in the future? With Amazon this is a huge concern of mine and caused me to get ride of all my screened echos.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Unfortunately not. I think it will come down to use case. if people are only using it as a smart home controller, then I think ads would be wasted. But if it is eating into the Echo Show lineup and people are treating like an Echo show, then the ads will come. Unfortunately they have lost their customers trust.

[@MattGrover]

It looks good. I would expect the ads to come at some point though, seems to be the Amazon way

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I can see it happening at some point. I think it will depend how people use it. If they sell a lot of stands and people are making a lot of request, then here comes the ads. If it is being used as a smart home controller, then no ads.

[@bigi1454]

He makes good, understandable videos, I'm always enthusiastic about him, I'm a fan of yours and I'm sending you greetings from Oberhausen Germany............😊😊😊😊

[@CraigsTechTalk]

You are too kind. Thank you very much. I appreciate you watching and I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Thank you for the greetings from Germany. I had a great time in Munich about 4 years ago. Thanks for watching.

[@gilburtvanhorn4974]

Hey Craig I really enjoy your videos about new technology but lately of grown tired of voice assistants and smart home stuff for me it's easier to get up and turn things on and off myself but it's cool what technology can do but when technology doesn't work it's so frustrating. I have 2 Alexa 1 generation speaker and I've very happy with those and I just only use Alexa speakers for listening to the weather and sometimes when I don't want to get out of bed because I'm comfortable I will have Alexa turn of the light but I rather turn of the light by myself mostly. I really love your videos one of the best channels on KZbin

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you very much. You are too kind. I completely understand growing tired of voice assistants. It feels like we hit the brakes on the smart home in 2021. Thanks for sharing your experience. Thanks again for such a nice comment. Have a great day.

[@aquaserenitychartersl.l.c.5822]

That is very similar to the Vivint SmartHub. I’m glad something came out like that might have to get a couple of those pads so I can mount all over the walls and eliminate the keypads for the ring alarm.

[@jamest8959]

Anybody gonna talk about subpar lagging performance?😢

[@CraigsTechTalk]

This is the best out of the Echos with a screen. But, like you said, it gets laggy. I wish they would tighten up the performance on all of them.

[@Briggsy1867]

Anything Amazon this is where I come 😅 another clear an informative video. I do feel though that the ‘Hub’ could easily be done within an app on fire tablets or the show’s etc. it’s a great idea but as a separate product is a little pointless IMO. Though I suppose with the wall mount it’s aimed more at that, than the portability

[@Neilfamily]

I would buy this if it was the same size as the Echo 15. I larger screen would be really beneficial for operating your cameras

[@toad8427]

I'm loving my Hub but disappointed to find it doesn't seem to have a deliveries widget...

[@thomastevis8655]

I can tell you love it for the good UI they listen

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hello Thomas. I appreciate the improvement to the UI. I wish it was a snappier. But it is much better.

[@joek468]

Can this be set up to have the default clock repositioned? Its not stuck in the bottom corner like the Echo Show 8 2nd gen?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

You pick one of their full screen clock options and have minimal customization options.

[@adrianf-g7j]

thanks for that nice explanation, actualy i just got mine recently, only thing is or perhaps something i am missing on the settings?? i have not seen the clock if in case the hub is idle?? or photos that i have while the hub is on IDLE status?? do you have any idea how this works? like if its idle the clock shows same as the photos taht are dwnload to the alexa photos??? cant figure it out? the pxiity yes wwhen u get close it goes back to the home mode, but what if there is no person detected...mine shows all black screen...hahaha thank you.

[@IleaneSmith]

Looks great! Thanks Craig.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Lleane. Hope you are doing well.

[@canyonblue737-8]

I wish this was the UI in the Show 8, 10 and 15. I do want a good speaker in a device this size. Amazon is slowly getting their act together, this device and the newly released Echo Spot 2024 do NOT have ads or random screens... hopefully when we see updates to the Show lineup they will follow this new trend.

[@GaelyneGasson]

This actually looks useful. Far more useful than the Google hubs I have in regards to controlling my smart devices. I'm not sure what the price will be in Aussie dollars, but if it's reasonable or on sale, I'd be likely to add it to my office.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That's good to hear Gaelyne. I can't imagine we won't see some nice sales. Hopefully you get it in Australia and on sale in the 50% off range.

[@GaelyneGasson]

@@CraigsTechTalk That'd be fantastic. I'm definitely going to be on the watch for it.

[@williammartinez8381]

Hey Craig, compare to the other echoes shows. The echo hub could be a great addition to a smart home, especially when it comes to viewing your smart home at a glance. I do like that the echo show hug does not show additional ads like the other echoes And the interaction seems to be a great addition to a smart home. This is something that I would recommend to put on a wall.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hello William, I hope you are doing well. I agree with the wall If you have a good spot for it. I am thinking of putting mine on the wall with the 3m Velcro tape. It is nice to have devices quickly accessible. I like the multi view for cameras.

[@dankelley9361]

Craig, nice coverage on the new Echo Hub. I like that it’s matter & thread enabled. Is there a way, do you think, that when I buy a matter device that I know it will work with this built in hub? Thanks in Advance

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Dan. Having both Matter and Thread is great. As for devices, if it has the Matter logo on it, it is supposed to work with Google, Amazon and Apple. The only thing needed is a smart device that is a Matter controller. The problem is that Matter is still not great. Some devices get setup directly to a smart home controller like the Echo Hub or a HomePod. Others need setup through their app. But in theory, you should be good if it is Matter. I do recommend reading reviews and knowing the return policy just in case.

[@1977fala]

I have Brizo Faucet voiceIQ connected to the Alexa hub. The original commands are so long 😢 „ Alexa tell the VoiceIQ to give me a cup of water” 😭. Is it possible to change this? Something like „Alexa, cup of water” I have no idea how to simplify this

[@alittlemo9361]

Can you make it show your calendar, or schedule, or a to do list as your home screen? I would like to use it as a better skylight calendar.

[@factmanamerican882]

Would it just be a software update to unify all the Echo devices, or is it hardware?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I think it would be software. I did not see any processor updates mentioned. As far as I know, the Echo show 8 is faster. I might be totally wrong though. Thanks for watching.

[@factmanamerican882]

@@CraigsTechTalk The next obvious question would be. Why don't they upgrade all their devices with screens to make them more efficient? Seems like that's insulting your core base and could be counter productive.

[@tanialimacosta]

Hi. Do you think this could substitute the Homey Pro in terms of connectivity? Thank you

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I don’t think it could substitute for it. I personally do not want to pair anything to the Echo hubs directly. I would rather use a third party hub that gives more options. Amazons hubs offer minimal features compared to using a Hue hub and its app. It may be the same way with Homey Pro.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Depending on what you want to hook up, it might be able to be a substitution.

[@tanialimacosta]

@@CraigsTechTalk Thank you for your help!

[@evamuhlhause]

If you don't use alexa for security and camera's is it worth getting this?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

If you don’t connect your cameras to Alexa, then the hub will not help. But if you have a camera from any brand that supports Alexa, you can bring those cameras on the screen. You connect the device skill in the Alexa app and you can then control it.

[@russelldye5506]

what happens if internet? Will it still work on your home network?

[@rawrecstudiosfilm5714]

Hello, My name is Octavian and i'm from Bucharest Romia, I receive the this new model, and after the configuration appear on display amazon logo and than echo logo and after just black screen. Can you tell please hot can I go for Hard Restart. The dashboard doesn`t appera. please, iI realy need your help.

[@Coach_Tchellow]

how would u compare this to the echo show 10? got 1 day to decide lol

[@mariogarbey8933]

Amazon should release a big update to all echos with this UI alongside with more streaming apps, maybe an App Store

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on all of those things. It should be an update for all the Echo shows. If they had a good App Store, they could make money that way.

[@aarongreenberg7272]

It would be nice if there was a POE option to provide power and the reliability of an Ethernet connection one wire.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That would be nice. I am surprised they did POE

[@nickpanzeca7640]

Great video Craig, looks interesting

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Nick. I hope you are doing well.

[@Barot8]

I want this though it's too pricey for me to get it. Thank you Craig!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It is pretty pricey. I think for lack of speakers, it should have been $129.99.

[@dankelley9361]

@@CraigsTechTalk wait for Prime Days, I’ll bet it’ll be at a better price.

[@stevemorales447]

Can i put the on my fire tablet?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Unfortunately not. I wish you could.

[@gamergirl101010]

When the doorbell rings, does it automatically pull up the doorbell video on the screen?

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I cannot blame you. They are pushing a lot of customers towards Apple and Google. Thanks for watching.

[@robin9609]

That is the only reason I would get this as I have Ring, Craig does this work?

[@tiffanycortapasso2729]

Very nice video for the new echo hub are you going to buy one and make a full comparison video

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Yes I do plan on getting one. Next video is on the Hub vs Show 8.

[@RobSnow-ui4sz]

Great video. It's too bad to have the hub is more expensive than show 8. Like prime, eventually you may have to pay a little extra to to avoid ads on the hub. Did you see it coming for prime video when it happened? I know I did not.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Yeah it is disappointing that it is more expensive. I think it should have been between $99 and $129.99. It is an Echo Show 8 minus the speakers and a different interface.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Craig.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thank you Ron. Have a great day.

[@johnkwolf]

You can send the sound to different devices

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Good point John. You can also have a preferred speaker. So any hub music request go to a better speaker. Have a great day.

[@RobJsWorkshop]

Mine seems to be a little glitchy when you walk away the screen goes black, and when you walk back it wakes back up, but no matter how many times I pick a clock it never idles more sleeps

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hello Rob, I was seeing that too. The setting I would check is make sure Idle screen is on. Then it should show you the clock or home screen. You might want to check the night mode settings. I found their is a night time clock setting.

[@lthomas63]

Looks like a very interesting device! Small correction, it doesn’t have ads yet Mark lol does it offer a dark mode? I like the price point but I’m a Apple fanboy so if Apple can come out with something similar at the same price, I’m in!

[@CraigsTechTalk]

🤣 Good point with the Yet. It does have a night mode. You can schedule night mode times and you can choose a dim night time clock. I am with you on the Apple fanboy. If it was twice the price I would be in for something similar.

[@CAINtheBULL]

Looking to replace an IQ panel that failed. This loos good so far.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It would be nice if it is a good replacement for you.

[@polarisflyer]

I wonder why they included so many protocols EXCEPT Z-Wave. I have a houseful of dimmers, switches, sensors, and thermostats which would cost a fortune to replace with Matter or other protocol-enabled devices.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I wonder why. Amazon has been all in on Zigbee since the Echo Plus I believe. The thing to look at is some of the hub options that support Z wave. There are some good ones that are out.

[@polarisflyer]

I ended up buying one anyway, and I am using it as my front-end controller to my Samsung SmartThings hub. I'm slowly deleting the routines from SmartThings before recreating them in the Echo hub. However, some things will have no choice but to stay in SmartThings (e.g. Alarm).

[@tomgriffin286]

I've been waiting for amazon to bring out a dashboard but, as someone with a disability I wonder how easy it would be to use the screen.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hello Tom, that is a great question.The accessibility menu in settings is showing voice view screen reader, screen magnifier (gestures to magnify), color inversion and color correction.

[@tomgriffin286]

Thanks for your kind reply Craig.@@CraigsTechTalk

[@movingloz]

I’ve got the echo show 10, the year before it came out as the movable one that follows you. My intro into Lady A and smart home stuff. 110% all about Apple now. Can’t wait for Apple to hopefully finally bring out something similar but better. Amazon is seriously all too hard.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on the move. It is too bad that Amazon has pushed people towards apple with their approach over the past couple of years. They are trying to make back all the money they didn’t make over the last 5+ years with Alexa.

[@JohnScheppler]

Give it time, and Amazon will be pushing ads to it soon as there are enough out there.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Unfortunately, I can see it coming too. People can’t use the Hub too much or they will add them.

[@MELISSAMDC104]

I wish Amazon would make one device that does it all! I'm tired of buying different devices for different things.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you. It really is nonsense that each device has some feature the others are missing.

[@Tinybeario]

The way Amazon has been crippling firesticks, I wouldn't touch another Amazon product.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I can appreciate that.

[@cindycarlile9974]

Wish it was bigger.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

A 10" version would be good.

[@joshuakolton9955]

How Apple still doesn't have anything like this or the Show 5 is baffling to me.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you Joshua. It is so frustrating. Maybe in March with their upcoming event.

[@JD86Vintage]

Now if only this user interface was available on yhr show 15.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I really wish it was. Thanks for watching.

[@venom5809]

Nice but price way too high.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I think $129.99 would have been better for this.

[@venom5809]

@@CraigsTechTalk I’m aiming for $100, maybe they will eventually do it with trade in.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

@venom5809 I can see a $100 on sale coming next prime day or at the latest next holiday season.

[@JacquelineTurnage-vq3rr]

Wow😀😀😀😀

[@andyespenan5919]

The cost so high as to not have all the ads but Im sure they will find a way to add them in here at some point! I like the devices but their continue adding "new" features that are automatically selected is a joke. For me just telling Alexa what i want is still faster than going to a device, finding the button and clicking. Other than camera viewing, not worth it for me. Thanks for the info.

[@bonilla2022]

can it run the Tesla app?

[@thomastevis8655]

I think i will wait for apple to make a hub with the the iPad or something

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I can appreciate that Thomas. I am right there with you. Here is hoping next month at their iPad event.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you. I don't see why they would not be able to update the other Echos. I believe the Echo Show 8 is faster than the hub. It would be great if all the echos in the house could have the same interface.

[@darryllshaungarland6114]

Ads are the big reason my Echo Show is turned off

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It’s too bad they have pushed you and others to that point.

[@SoCalVipers]

No ads? but for how long? Can I trust Amazon? I'm about to throw away all of my shows in the house. Does Amazon have any promise that they will remain ad free? If it works with most of my devices, I'll give it a try.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That is a great point about for how long. If they look at it just as a hub that hangs on the wall by the front door, we might be safe from ads. But if they sell too many stands, then the ads will come. Thanks for watching.

[@chargerman165]

I am with you I don’t trust Amazon either. I love most of their products but I am a Prime member and it keeps going up. I became a Prime member for two day shipping and haven’t gotten that in a very long time.

[@roberts.3712]

No Z-wave....deal breaker. OK if you are completely into Amazon ecosystem but for Z-wave devices a second hub needed.

[@nicolebrogan6806]

Im so confused on what to get. Theres home, show, echo, dot. What do i get 😂

[@subarno26]

Get the dot. Most affordable and versatile.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I would say the Echo Show 8 for the best sound and overall Alexa experience. The Echo 4th gen for the best sound. The Echo Dot of Echo Show 5 for good sound. Then get the echo dot for casual music listening, but primarily for request. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Good suggestion.

[@Realmoflo]

This seems like it’s for the ppl that don’t like using voice commands.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I would agree with that. Maybe that is why I like it😀 Thanks for watching.

[@lasongablackwell6535]

I believe this is just to get money from us they could have updated the system for the echo devices that we already have plus the screen is too small for the price But i like everything is in one place organized and not having to look in different places to control my smart devices

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on the money grab. There should be no reason that at least the Echo Show 8 and above should not have this update. it would be nice to have all the echo shows in the house be able to do this.

[@SimonLeicester]

No adverts for now. Six months time who knows.

[@dvTechHub]

All cool, but the software still needs to be improved. Very slow, sluggish and unresponsive.

[@dnoland77]

I don't think this device is intended for us, it's target audience is the non-smart home families that live with us. A central place to make changes to the home without us.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I think that is an interesting perspective. I had not looked at it that way. For me, I wouldn’t really use it because everything I need is automated. But for the rest of my family, the can find things easily. Nice. Thank you David.

[@guidoabarcia9311]

Ads will sneak in, you watch

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Unfortunately you may be right.

[@JK-bh5lr]

Looks like a $49 tablet with the alexa app.

[@Qwiv]

I’m sure the ads will be added soon.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Fingers crossed no. But I would not put it past them.

[@iVanderTech]

Why it's so laggy? Ugh..

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It is faster than other echos, but like you said, it is still laggy. I wish they could tighten it up.

[@Juan-og1yz]

This "hub" should be a free software update for the previous gen echo shows, this feels like a cash grab from Amazon 🙄

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on that. It definitely is a cash grab. This should be $129.99 since it doesn't have speakers and the software should be on the Echo shows. Thanks for watching.

[@guidoabarcia9311]

TBH, GH hubs being doing this for years. Widgets look useless. $180 plus $30 for stand ouch

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I agree that the Google Hub has been doing this and more for years. I have always like Googles touch interface better.

[@THEG12EG]

This is a scam why couldn't this software not be pushed to the other devices

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Exactly. They choose to hold back. Thanks for watching.

[@cyberfamed]

Looks laggy AF 😂😂

[@geraldpolymath]

3 star rating on Amazon 🤣

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That is pretty bad with 75 reviews. When I first saw the listing it was 3 stars with 1 review. Thanks for sharing.

[@SidharthSen]

my honest opinion is this makes no sense - why can't they have the software on their fire tablets? this just feels like a high priced feature reduced tablet....

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I am with you on that thought. The Fire HD 8 tablet would be faster and about the same size. They lineup is too fragmented and the echos with shows have slow response time.

[@IbnBahtuta]

It is too small.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@zenclicks4480]

😂😂😂why is it so small 😮 should be 15 inches .

[@CraigsTechTalk]

That’s funny. Let’s go 12 and meet in the middle.

[@tonyeaster4544]

Don't waste your money guys! Just get a show 8 or 10.

[@stone5015]

A waste of money.

[@CraigsTechTalk]

I can appreciate that.

[@GeorgeSantos543]

Is there a button on the new Echo Hub to delete Joe Biden?

[@bonilla2022]

That's the "VOTE" button. like they voted your ass out. ;-)

[@Glitchh101]

Why u gotta politicize an Alexa hub review? The jokes not even funny

[@venom5809]

Lot of time to hangout on KZbin now you’re unemployed 😂

[@derek400004]

why you on KZbin? ran out of money for OF? 😂

[@Shockwave0099]

Yeah delete him. Let Trumpydumpy come back and make USA dumbfuckistan again... 🙄🙄 #middleage

[@philipperostin]

The echo hub is what the alexa app should be on any device ! Google home shows camera aray since 6 months ago, and on any device via its app ! The echo show 8 3rd gen is still not available in Quebec, but the echo hub is, WHY ? We now have to pay extra to remove adds on amazon video ! Really I dont understand what amazon is doing ! This is all bullshit.

[@philipperostin]

I have a big clock and nothing else on my echos 5 ? I dont get your peeve here

[@CraigsTechTalk]

Hey Philip, That is a good point. The Echo show 5 has been the only echo to have the full screen clock until now. I turn off all the screens and only see a clock. But Amazon still sneaks in the occasional ad and will by default turn on any new information screens.

[@philipperostin]

240 canadian roupies !!!!! Hey !!!!!! Nope

[@CraigsTechTalk]

It is too expensive. I think $129.99, since it doesn't have great speakers, would have been better.