Echo Show 21: Amazon launches its largest smart display to date

Around three years ago, Amazon launched the Echo Show 15, its first smart display that could be mounted on the wall. The company is now not only offering a new edition of this model (for around 330 euros), but also its largest model in the range to date, the Echo Show 21, which costs just under 440 euros and offers a display area almost twice as large.

According to Amazon, the new models offer better audio quality than the first generation of the Echo Show 15. Specifically, they are said to deliver a lively sound that adapts to the room as well as twice the bass power.

For "more natural" video calls, the camera, which is now located in the center, is also said to have been improved. It now has automatic image adjustment, more than twice the field of view and a 65 percent greater zoom than the camera on the first-generation Echo Show 15. Amazon promises that users will always be in the picture during video calls – even if they are preparing food in the kitchen during the call. Both models now suppress noise so that the call quality should be clearer. Customers can also use Echo Show 15 and 21 to check on their pets or home via live video when they are out and about.

Both devices have an integrated smart home hub that acts as a Matter controller and shortcuts directly to Wi-Fi, Thread and Zigbee devices. You can also control a range of devices locally, such as lights, switches and sockets, which Amazon promises will reduce the response time of smart home components. In addition, the Echo Show 15 and 21 are the first Echo devices to support Wi-Fi 6E.

Both models are available now. Buyers can customize their Echo Show 15 or 21 with light brown or white frames to match their home decor (€39.99 for Echo Show 15 and €43.99 for Echo Show 21) or purchase a stand (€109.99). (nij)