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Amazon Echo Hub | 8” smart home control panel with Alexa | Compatible with thousands of devices
Sustainability features
Reducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
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Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
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Purchase options and add-ons
- Echo Hub — An easy-to-use Alexa-enabled control panel for your smart home devices—just ask Alexa or tap the display to control lights, smart plugs, camera feeds, and more.
- Streamline your smart home — Customize the controls and widgets, displayed on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and more.
- Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices — Compatible with thousands of connected locks, thermostats, speakers, and more. WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk and Thread devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub.
- Home security at your fingertips — Use the Echo Hub to arm and disarm your compatible security system. Use the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors to check in while you're out.
- Easy to install — Echo Hub can be wall mounted anywhere you have an outlet. Use in-wall cable pass throughs or a power-over-ethernet adapter (both sold separately) to hide cables. Also compatible with table-top stand (sold separately).
- Play your music everywhere — Connect your preferred speaker to Echo Hub to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts in any room.
- Designed to protect your privacy — Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic off button.
- Designed for sustainability – This device is made from 27% recycled materials. 97% of this device packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Smart home devices for you
- Smart Lighting
- Security Cameras
- Plugs and outlets
- Vacuums
- Smart locks
- Wifi and Networking
"Alexa, turn on the lights."
Control the lights with your voice.
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- Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.As certified byReducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy. - Sustainability features for this product
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.Carbon impactCarbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.As certified byReducing CO2
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
Top Brand: Amazon
Smart home control made easy
Manage your entire smart home with one easy-to-use control panel—
for a custom smart home at a smart value.
Customize to seewhat matters most
Choose the widgets and controls displayed on yourdashboard so you can quickly adjust lights, see cameras,arm security systems, play music, or start routines—like a one-tap routine that locks the doors, dims the lights,and adjusts the thermostat.
One hub. Endless possibilities.
“Alexa, discover my devices.”
Echo Hub works with thousands of connected cameras, lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, speakers, and more—bringing your smart devices together in one convenient hub.
WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Sidewalk, Thread, and Matter devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub, allowing you to control compatible devices, even if your internet is down.
Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices
Peace of mind,any time
Use the Echo Hub to arm and disarm your compatible security system, or create a routine in your Alexa app to lock the doors, arm security alarms, and turn off lights. You can also use the Alexa app to check in on your home while you're away.
Elevate your everyday
Helpful Widgets
Stay on track with customizable widgets for your calendar, reminders, and lists.
Just Ask Alexa
Ask Alexa to order groceries, find a recipe, set reminders, and more.
See your photos
The vibrant 8” display lets you show off your favorite photos when not in use.
Pair. Play. Enjoy.
Play music directly from your Echo Hub or connectyour preferred speakers to Echo Hub to control wholehome audio and enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts,and audiobooks.
Designed to protect your privacy
Echo Hub is built with multiple layers of privacy protection. From the mic off button to the ability to delete your voice recordings, you have transparency and control over your Alexa experience. Echo Hub also supports the ability to securely view your end-to-end encrypted Ring video (coming soon). Learn more about how Alexa and Echo devices work.
Easy to set up and install
Option 1
Use included wall bracket to mount near an outlet.
Option 2
Use in-wall cable pass-throughs(sold separately) to hide cords.
Option 4
Place in the compatible stand(sold separately).
For help with installation and other topics, please visit the Device Help page
Designed for sustainability
We measure this device's carbon footprint and look for opportunities to reduce its emissions at every stage of its life cycle. Figures are for Echo Hub, not including any other versions or any bundled accessories or devices. We update the carbon footprint when we discover new information that changes the estimated carbon footprint of a device by more than 5%.
See Echo Hub fact sheet
Carbon Footprint
Materials
Made from 27% recycled materials. 100% recyclable packaging (shipping packaging not included).
Energy
Low Power Mode reduces energy consumption when idle, except in certain situations. We also invest in renewable energy that, by 2025, will be equivalent to this device's electricity usage.
Trade-in and Recycle
Built to last. But when you're ready, you can trade-in or recycle your devices. Explore Amazon Second Chance.
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Price | From: $179.99 | From: $149.99 | From: - |
Ratings | 3.9 out of 5 stars (812) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (16,932) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (18,411) |
Alexa Built In | |||
Ideal Placement | On-wall or tabletop. Best placed in Hallways, Entryways, or Open living spaces | Kitchen, living room, or open living spaces | Kitchen |
Release Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2021 |
Advanced smart home controls | - | - | |
Built in Zigbee smart home hub | - | ||
Smart home dedicated home screen | - | - | |
Screen | 8" with 1280 x 800 resolution | 8.0" with 1280 x 800 resolution | 15.6" with 1920 x 1080 resolution |
Speakers | Dual stereo speakers. Best paired with compatible speakers for whole home audio | 2x2.0" neodymium stereo speakers with passive bass radiator | 2x1.6" |
Camera | - | 13 MP with auto-framing | 5 MP |
Best For | The customizable hub of your smart home | Table top HD smart display with spatial audio | Full HD smart display with Fire TV built in |
Power Over Ethernet Compatible | - | - | |
Wall Mountable | - | ||
Microphone Arrays | 4 | 4 | 6 |
Dimensions | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 3.9"D | 15.5"W x 9.9"H x 1.4"D |
Technical details
Echo Hub
Power requirements |
Compatible with alternative USB-C PD power accessories. Power supply must comply with USB PD protocol and support both 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings. |
Power over Ethernet |
Supports PoE with compatible USB-C converter. Requires IEEE 802.3at/PoE+/Type2 or IEEE 802.3bt /PoE++/Type 3 support. |
Included in the box |
Echo Hub, power adapter (12.5W) and 6 ft. (1.8m) cord (white), wall mount, anchors, screws, mounting template, and quick start guide. Setup requires internet via wifi or ethernet. Device can be wall mounted (electric drill required) or placed on a stand (sold separately). Device not intended for handheld or portable use. |
Display |
8” touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution |
Audio |
Pair of top ported full range speakers, with stereo playback |
Sensors |
Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for proximity detection, ambient light sensor (ALS) |
Wifi connectivity |
Dual-band wifi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wifi networks. |
Bluetooth connectivity |
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Hub or from Echo Hub to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected Bluetooth speakers. Hands-Free Profile (HFP) not supported. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes not supported. |
Smart Home Device Compatibility |
Compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh devices, as well as Zigbee, Thread, and Matter devices as a controller only. Visit the help page to troubleshoot compatible devices. |
Amazon Sidewalk |
A shared network that helps compatible devices work better at home and beyond the front door. If wifi is lost, Sidewalk enables certain devices to stay connected. Also, Sidewalk helps devices like water sprinklers and pet locators work over longer distances. Sidewalk uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth to provide these benefits to you and your neighbors via Sidewalk Bridges (participating Echo and Ring devices), and is turned on for your device unless you have previously turned off the setting. You can turn off Sidewalk at any time. Learn more about Sidewalk. |
System requirements |
Echo Hub comes ready to connect to your internet via wifi or ethernet. The Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and also accessible via your web browser. Supported operating systems. |
Set up technology |
Amazon WiFi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their wifi network in a few easy steps. WiFi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. Learn more about Frustration-Free Setup. |
Processor |
MediaTek MT 8169 A |
Size |
7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm) |
Weight |
12.9 ounces (365 grams). Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. |
Warranty and service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Echo Hub is subject to these terms found here. |
Privacy features |
Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, support for Ring’s End-to-End Encryption feature that provides End-to-End Encrypted Ring video (coming soon) on your Echo Hub, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy. |
Accessibility features |
To enable features that personalize Alexa to your abilities, go to Settings → Accessibility.
|
Language |
Alexa speaks English and Spanish. |
Alexa Skills and features |
Alexa makes your life easier, more meaningful, and more fun by letting you voice control your world. Alexa can help you get more out of the things you already love and discover new possibilities you've never imagined. Discover and learn what Alexa can do. |
Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own an Amazon Echo, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Service Availability |
Certain services and skills are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require compatible devices. Certain skills and services may require subscription or other fees. |
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
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Unboxing and Explaining The Echo Hub Features
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Introducing Echo Hub
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the Echo Hub easy to set up and use. They appreciate its connectivity to other devices and how it simplifies their home. Many praise the control panel. However, some report issues with slow response times and lack of horsepower. There are mixed opinions on functionality and screen size.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the Echo Hub's sound quality. They find it a useful smart home hub that connects devices. The Echo Hub also serves as a home intercom and is a good choice for their smart home needs.
"...Speakers. This isn't it. The sound isn't awful but it's not great, and you should only use this as a supplement to other speakers you already..." Read more
"...It will force me to get better at groups, routines, and favorites in the Alexa ecosystem, and I’d say in about a week I’ll have it fully tuned, FOR..." Read more
"...It is also outstanding as a home intercom, assuming you have Amazon Echos set up in other rooms to drop in on...." Read more
"...This is a huge disappointment. Alexa is awesome because it's the hub that ties all of your smart home devices together...." Read more
Customers find the digital device easy to set up and use. They say it makes everything easier, navigates smoothly, and connects to smart home devices easily. The setup process is smooth, mounting is straightforward, and creating widgets is intuitive.
"...of the Echo Hub, they marvel at it’s capabilities, power, and ease of use. Go figure...." Read more
"...It has been excellent for me, was easy to set up and use...." Read more
"...Been using a Show8 and this is better It allows me to control my 97 wireless devices when COMCAST is down...." Read more
"...Smooth tablet experience. Nope, this is going to feel like a really cheap tablet because it is a really cheap tablet...." Read more
Customers appreciate the connectivity of the digital device. It connects to other devices automatically, tying them together. They find it easy to set up and use, maintaining its connectivity. The device centralizes their other devices and provides a convenient way to control them from a single place.
"...Alexa is awesome because it's the hub that ties all of your smart home devices together. But there was never a good interface...." Read more
"...Easy to follow setup instructions 2) Automatically connected to all of my automated devices, including other Echo devices, Smart thermostat,..." Read more
"...Serious problems integrating this HUB with the home security system in our case...." Read more
"...Shows the weather, I integrated our Apple family calendar, time, temp of the house. Gives me everything I need for my work mornings!..." Read more
Customers like the control panel. They say it has control capabilities and can control most things in their house. It's an innovative smart home control panel that promises seamless integration and allows others to control the system remotely.
"...just cool to have a touchscreen tablet on the wall, and be able to adjust some lights, play music, adjust the temperature. _______________..." Read more
"...It lets them interact with my Smarthome creation and be empowered to control their environment...." Read more
"...it so far, because I am using it as a second alarm control, control my lighting and quick view of my Ring cameras/answering the doorbell...." Read more
"...Lights can be controlled, but some buttons went unresponsive or indicated off and when clicked further showed on...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the product's functionality. Some find it works well for lights and switches, locking doors, and using the buttons smoothly. However, others feel it lacks sufficient functionality to justify its cost over the Echo Show 15. They mention issues with integrating with smart devices, the mic not working properly, and the device failing to work when in idle mode.
"...Without these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet...." Read more
"...responsive when controlling all of my Ring products, very good at my lights and switches, and very good at locking/unlocking my doors...." Read more
"...- and has - the potential to be this device, but it is completely lacking in capability, customization, and next level function...." Read more
"...It’s good hardware and works well, but it’s hindered by the fact they are dumbing it down so the most basic user can operate it and not allowing for..." Read more
Customers have different views on the screen size. Some find it suitable for arming or disarming an alarm, and the compact device fits well when managing a few devices. They appreciate the quick view of connected cameras or to see what's off or on. However, others feel the screen is too small, the buttons are too large, and the layout of the panel is difficult to navigate.
"...8 inches is too small.” Well, you ordered an 8” device, you colossal idiot...." Read more
"...Works out for being wall-mounted. I like the big bezel. Portability: No. Almost none...." Read more
"...It's like a $30 no-name android tablet. -The icons are big and few can fit on the screen...." Read more
"...In the hub you can’t see any of those sensors, so it’s only adjusting to the Nest hub...." Read more
Customers find the digital device's response a bit slow. They mention that the screen lags in responsiveness, the dashboard can be a little laggy when setting up and moving from menu to menu, cameras take a bit to load, and alerts are delayed at times. The software doesn't run as smooth as expected.
"...Cameras take a bit to load but they also do that on the apps in any case. It'll only get better from here. The Cost:..." Read more
"...Maybe next year there will be a better one. The screen is so sluggish, that it must be an under powered CPU, not just bad programming...." Read more
".../services, even integration with AMAZON own BLINK cameras is slow to react and spotty in execution...." Read more
"...It is quick and responsive when controlling all of my Ring products, very good at my lights and switches, and very good at locking/unlocking my doors..." Read more
Customers find the digital device overpriced and small for its price. They mention it has an expensive LCD screen that doesn't work as expected, and the HUB functions as a glorified integrated light switch. Many feel it's an average product that lacks value.
"...IF YOU HAVE SMART DEVICES Without these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet...." Read more
"...“Its too expensive.”..." Read more
"...That alone is worth the money My lovely wife has been using RING on her iPhone. Don’t tell her but she can’t see very well...." Read more
"...I will keep this HUB as a glorified and expensive integrated light switch and somehow functional music/speakers controller...." Read more
Reviews with images
Nice but Not Perfect - InWall Install is Difficult at Best
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024Configuration: Device onlyVerified PurchaseOriginally I was going to maybe rate this 4 stars, but honestly, this is EXACTLY what I've been looking for and nothing even comes remotely close to it, so I'll go ahead and list everything it does great, followed by what needs improvements, and finally what you should NOT purchase this for... and at the end I'll go over the "general" stuff like screen and sound.
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PULL OUT YOUR PHONE & GO TO ALEXA APP
This is honestly the only reason you should be buying this. Because you can already do everything and more directly on the Alexa app on your phone. So you need to (a) see yourself using the Alexa app a lot, and (b) wish you had it on your wall.
IF YOU HAVE SMART DEVICES
Without these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet. Maybe you want to control a few devices around your house like your lights, look at the front door camera. If your requirements aren't too specific with these and you just are willing to take what you can get, then this is it.
IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE OTHER ALEXA SPEAKERS
This really does help bring them together, because you now have a screen, although you might save some money if you get one of the other Echo Show devices. It's cool to have it up on the wall, be able to again, not use your phone, not pull out some tablet, to change songs.
IF YOU WANT A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF SECURITY & THERMOSTAT
This will display your Ring alarm status, let you arm and disarm it, and see what your thermostat is set to from another location across the house (I wouldn't recommend putting them side by side, that's a waste.)
IF YOU WANT YOUR HOME TO FEEL "MODERN" SMART
This reminds me of things I've seen at high-end hotels. It's just cool to have a touchscreen tablet on the wall, and be able to adjust some lights, play music, adjust the temperature.
___________________
DO >>NOT<< BUY FOR:
1) Managing your device settings. This does a poor job. Your phone can do better. This should only be there to access frequently used devices you've already set up but don't want to navigate through your phone to access.
2) Speakers. This isn't it. The sound isn't awful but it's not great, and you should only use this as a supplement to other speakers you already have in your home.
3) Watching videos. Don't do it. I know you might think it'll be nice to put this in the kitchen and watch something while you cook, just get some other display or tablet.
4) Controlling everything. This kind of ties into #1 above but this should only be set it and forget it, quickly click what you can fit on the screen, and overview of your devices per room. Don't spend a lot of time navigating around. Just get any other tablet at that point.
5) Highly specific apps. The apps on it are lackluster. Have some really cool specific idea? You won't be able to do it or it'll end up being bad. You likely won't be able to do exactly what you want, only as I mentioned very very very basic things.
__________________
THE REALLY BAD, DEFINITELY DON'T BUY:
1) Device groups. Currently not supported. If you "favorite" a group of smart devices, it doesn't display it and you can pretty much only do one device at a time, with the "group" being the entire group like "Living Room." This was almost a deal-breaker for me, hopefully they add it later, but I've since found some workarounds for me specific use case. But I wanted to group four mart lights in a room, per room, and have it all display under favorites and could not do that.
2) Smooth tablet experience. Nope, this is going to feel like a really cheap tablet because it is a really cheap tablet. You're going to have to be patient and wait one second or maybe even two for some things, and you'll see it stutter once in a while. This is still miles better than anything else like it that's meant to go on your wall. But probably one of the worst if you're comparing it to an iPad or high-end Samsung tablet.
__________________
The Screen:
Feels like a really cheap tablet, but they make it work for what it is. The size could have been bigger but honestly then it'd look weird and not like a wall panel. I like it, I just wish there was some more customizability (there isn't really.)
The Audio:
Again, feels like a really cheap tablet or laptop.
The Design:
Works out for being wall-mounted. I like the big bezel.
Portability:
No. Almost none. Do not expect to unplug this and move it around.
The Software:
Needs some work but it's not as terrible as people make it out to be. I've noticed a few minor bugs like arming my Ring if a device needs a bypass gets it stuck with no error, just loading. Smart thermostat (Nest) if you try to set it to let's say 72 to 73, it will error out vaguely when you should remember that you need a bigger gap between the low and high number. Cameras take a bit to load but they also do that on the apps in any case. It'll only get better from here.
The Cost:
I wish it would have been closer to $100, but hey, I bought it at full price because I saw the value. If you do not see the value, do not buy it, you'll be disappointed. This is the type of product that's simultaneously worth $50 and $500.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024Configuration: Device onlyVerified PurchaseOkay, lets get the obvious out of the way. Is the Echo Hub what it could be, should be, or will be? That’s a big NO!
Is it what it is?, Yes, and that seems to be what people are missing. Almost without exception the early purchasers of the Hub are the techies that have already automated part or all of their home using some combination of devices that include the Amazon ecosystem. They are intimate with every function, switch, routine, and process. They can almost Grunt and their home responds.
Each of the early adopters were looking for a Next-Level panel control. It’s true, the current options, including converting various tablets for wall mount and cobbling together various shortcuts and apps to “act” as a central hub are lacking. Woefully so. Worse, is using the wide variety of apps on a phone or tablet to run their operation. My own system has devices from 8 manufacturers, each happily pushing their own app at me. It’s a pain for me, and impossible for my spouse.
The Echo Hub had - and has - the potential to be this device, but it is completely lacking in capability, customization, and next level function. So to almost every reviewer, it falls woefully short of their expectations.
I get it…kind of. See, I’m that guy too, and had high expectations that this was next-level tech that would boost my Smarthome to the next level. I hit the product page at least weekly for the last four months, eagerly anticipating it going live. When it finally dropped, it fell short of my lofty expectations, so…complain, complain and slam it in the reviews.
Okay, we know what it isn’t.
HOWEVER, let's look at what it is. I am the master of my Smarthome domain, and can grunt and have my home respond. It’s Awesome…. for me. But my spouse has to yell from the back porch to have me turn on the yard lights. House guests use the bathroom nearly dark, because they don’t understand my next level lighting routines. House-sitters won’t come back because they couldn’t turn off the music, and on the TV.
My home has inadvertently become the coffee table full of remotes from yesteryear where only a precise combinations of buttons would result in the TV playing the source, and audio that was desired. The wrong combination might take hours (and lots of swearing) to reset back to “normal” operation. I get it, but it’s a mystery to everyone else.
So the Echo Hub is band-aid that really isn’t for me, or most of its initial purchasers & reviewers. It’s actually for my spouse, house guests, and visitors. It lets them interact with my Smarthome creation and be empowered to control their environment. Not only do they not notice the inherent limitations of the Echo Hub, they marvel at it’s capabilities, power, and ease of use. Go figure.
It will force me to get better at groups, routines, and favorites in the Alexa ecosystem, and I’d say in about a week I’ll have it fully tuned, FOR THEM!, Not me.
So, once I got over my own disappointment, I realized that while what I wanted at this juncture, it’s what I needed. Not next level, but empowering additional users to interact with this level and the current capabilities of my home.
I’m disappointed, I expected more, and I’ll take two more please.
Lastly, I want to address a couple of other common complaints.
“8 inches is too small.” Well, you ordered an 8” device, you colossal idiot. That’s like buying a 6-pack and complaining that there aren’t 7 bottles. It is what it is - precisely what it was advertised to be.
“Its too expensive.” Amazon has spoiled us by having advertising support the actual hardware costs of development and manufacturing of all their devices to date. Most reports indicate that the Alexa division inside Amazon is under-performing and not overly profitable. Thats kind of what you get when you sell a $24 Echo Dot, which is a marvel at voice recognition and cloud powered user response, and then wager I’ll order tons of stuff from Amazon via that portal. I won’t. (Ever? Nope. I would never order a single thing by voice. We’ve all seen the Amazon product listings that show 1 item for $14 and 2 for only $43. If listings ever become less deceptive…maybe. But it’s a hard NO for now.)
The Echo Hub has no advertising, so far. This means the device has to sell for development costs, plus manufacturing costs plus margin. You know, the traditional business model of a product. While it is costly for an Amazon device, a similar product from Apple would run $750 - $1,000. Get over it. Boggles my mind that people pay an amount, and then complain about the amount when the purchasing is entirely within their control. Just return it.
“The speakers suck.” This is interesting. When playing around with the device, I accidentally figured out how to watch a video, and I have to admit that I thought the sound sounded decent. Not noticeably better or worse than the Ipad Mini, of approximately the same screen size. However, the Echo Hub is essentially a remote control for other people to interact with your smart home. Best speakers on a remote control that I’ve ever heard. The people complaining about the speakers no doubt have awesome speakers, surround systems, and audio throughout their home, they and others can now initiate music on those devices via the Hub. Frankly I couldn’t care less about the speaker quality on a wall mounted 8” screen. If I’m ever standing in a hallway, facing an 8” screen and watching a movie, SHOOT ME!
Again, I understand why people are underwhelmed. The Echo Hub isn’t what it could be, should be, or likely will be. Just admit it right now, it’s not for you. But it’s a wonderful gift to your spouse, roommates, house guests, etc. who are frustrated by YOUR Smarthome. Maybe they’ll like it enough to actually encourage you to purchase the next level device when it drops.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024Configuration: Device onlyVerified PurchaseThere are many reviews high and low for this hub. What you intend on using it for is what you should be looking at. I have had an excellent experience with it so far, because I am using it as a second alarm control, control my lighting and quick view of my Ring cameras/answering the doorbell. It can handle media, music, etc, but that is not its primary use. It is quick and responsive when controlling all of my Ring products, very good at my lights and switches, and very good at locking/unlocking my doors. It works perfectly as a second alarm panel for my Ring alarm. It does a admirable job with my ecobee controlling the Hvac. It is also outstanding as a home intercom, assuming you have Amazon Echos set up in other rooms to drop in on. It is not so great for Amazon music, etc, just get an echo dot for that. It is also not really good to use for video streaming... Yes, it can do that with it, but it begins to lag a bit when it does. This is not a tablet either, as it does need to remain plugged in, so if that is what you are expecting, look at a fire tablet.
If you want a device to function as a hub for smart home devices to quickly control, plus need a 2nd Ring alarm panel, THIS IS IT! If you are looking for a media controller, you probably need a fire tablet.
It has been excellent for me, was easy to set up and use. I also used a wall wire phish tool to get the USB cord through the wall to keep it looking sharp.
5.0 out of 5 stars Good hub for cameras, lights, hvac, etcThere are many reviews high and low for this hub. What you intend on using it for is what you should be looking at. I have had an excellent experience with it so far, because I am using it as a second alarm control, control my lighting and quick view of my Ring cameras/answering the doorbell. It can handle media, music, etc, but that is not its primary use. It is quick and responsive when controlling all of my Ring products, very good at my lights and switches, and very good at locking/unlocking my doors. It works perfectly as a second alarm panel for my Ring alarm. It does a admirable job with my ecobee controlling the Hvac. It is also outstanding as a home intercom, assuming you have Amazon Echos set up in other rooms to drop in on. It is not so great for Amazon music, etc, just get an echo dot for that. It is also not really good to use for video streaming... Yes, it can do that with it, but it begins to lag a bit when it does. This is not a tablet either, as it does need to remain plugged in, so if that is what you are expecting, look at a fire tablet.
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
If you want a device to function as a hub for smart home devices to quickly control, plus need a 2nd Ring alarm panel, THIS IS IT! If you are looking for a media controller, you probably need a fire tablet.
It has been excellent for me, was easy to set up and use. I also used a wall wire phish tool to get the USB cord through the wall to keep it looking sharp.
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