Last year, Amazon launched the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition. The device differed from the regular version by allowing you to display a perpetual slideshow of your photos on the screen. However, Amazon will discontinue the feature that justified the existence of this specific model.
Amazon discontinues the “perpetual photo slideshow” of the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition
Unlike the regular model, the Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition offers an option to set an “infinite” custom slideshow that displays a new photo every 30 seconds. The feature is not free, as it requires a paid PhotosPlus subscription ($1.99 monthly), which also includes 25 GB of cloud space to upload your photos. Sadly, this feature will disappear on September 23.
The decision is causing a stir among owners of the Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition. This variant of the device was slightly more expensive, costing $159.99 (the regular version costs $149.99). Now, all “Photos Edition” units will transform into regular models. That also means that users will have to get used to seeing ads on their device’s homescreen. However, PhotosPlus subscribers will still enjoy 25 GB of cloud space to store their photos.
Goodbye permanent photo slideshows; hello homescreen ads
Amazon Echo Show devices are primarily Smart Displays. That is, products that function as Smart Speakers, but with expanded possibilities thanks to a touch screen. For example, you can ask Alexa questions and get a response complemented by multimedia content. The latest models even support spatial audio technology in their speakers to boost the multimedia section.
The form factor of these products invites you to use them as a digital photo frame. However, this is not possible on the original Echo Show 8, since you can only set a slideshow with your favorite photos for a limited time. After three hours of photos, the homescreen begins to show promotions and ads.
Amazon noticed there was some demand for a model that could display a slideshow of photos indefinitely. So, the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition was born with that in mind. However, it seems that the initiative did not reach the user base necessary to be profitable.
2024-08-25 15:04:39