How to access a File Browser and Internal Storage on an Amazon Echo Show

Posted by Elias Saba on November 16, 2020 — 3 Comments

As you may or may not know, the Amazon Echo Show line of smart displays run an OS based on Android. Despite my hopes and dreams, modding an Echo Show to do more than what it was originally intended to hasn’t been possible because the device is pretty locked down. A reader of AFTVnews by the name of Wilson C. just stumbled on a way to bring up Android’s default file manager and browser internal files on an Echo Show. Even though I haven’t thought of any use for this new peek behind the curtain of the Echo Show, here are instructions for how to do it, in hopes that someone else might think of something interesting to do with the information. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Amazon Echo Show, Guide

Netflix will soon be available on Amazon Echo Shows

Posted by Elias Saba on September 24, 2020 — 3 Comments

Along with the plethora of things announced today by Amazon, among them is the news that Netflix is finally going to be available through Amazon Echo Show smart displays. The world’s most popular streaming service joins Prime Video and Hulu as the newest streaming service on Amazon’s displays, just a couple of months after Netflix became available on Google’s smart displays. Amazon says you will be able to use your voice to search Netflix for shows and movies, as well as control playback. It’s not known yet if all Echo Show models will receive Netflix or only select models. It was shown off on the new Echo Show 10 announced today, so it’ll obviously be available on that device, which makes sense since it can literally follow you around the room to keep the screen in view while watching content.

Posted in Article Tagged with: 2020 Amazon Devices Event, Alexa, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Echo Show 10, Netflix

Amazon’s new Echo Show 10 has motorized base to follow you

Posted by Elias Saba on September 24, 2020 — 1 Comment

At their big hardware announcement event, Amazon revealed the all-new Echo Show 10, which is the 3rd-generation of their flagship smart display. Available in both charcoal and white for $249.99, the Echo Show 10’s biggest trick is that it now moves to keep you in view. A motor built into the base allows the device to automatically swivel when you interact with it so that you always have a good view of the screen. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: 2020 Amazon Devices Event, Alexa, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Echo Show 10

Amazon Echo Shows will support Zoom Video Meetings later this year

Posted by Elias Saba on August 21, 2020 — 9 Comments

Zoom, the video calling/meeting service, has announced that they’ll be adding support for Zoom video calls to Amazon Echo Show devices this fall. Support will first be added to the Echo Show 8, with other models presumably gaining the functionality later in the year. You’ll be able to simply say “Alexa, join my zoom meeting” to start a video call. Zoom says that if you have your calendar linked in the Alexa app, you won’t need to know your meeting ID or passcode to enter meetings through your Echo Show. If you’re planning to use the new functionality, you might want to pick up one of Amazon’s Echo Show adjustable stands to better position the screen and camera. When Zoom support arrives, it will become the 3rd option for video calls on Echo Show devices, along with Amazon’s own calling service and Skype.

Posted in Article Tagged with: Alexa, Amazon Echo Show

Amazon Echo Shows are appearing as Casting Receivers for YouTube on mobile phones

Posted by Elias Saba on August 6, 2020 — 1 Comment

Amazon Echo Show devices are appearing as casting receivers in the YouTube app for Android, as pointed out to me by an AFTVnews reader. Sure enough, when tapping the cast icon on my phone, both my 1st-gen and 2nd-gen Echo Shows are listed as cast points, alongside my Fire TV devices. Apart from a bit of a loophole, that has since been closed, YouTube apps and Echo Shows have not had any casting interaction in the past. Unfortunately, even though Echo Shows are listed as valid casting receivers, selecting one does not actually work. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Amazon Echo Show, Cast, YouTube

How to cast YouTube to the Amazon Echo Show from an iPhone or Android phone

Posted by Elias Saba on October 11, 2018 — 9 Comments

Now that the Amazon Echo Show has gained both Amazon Silk and Firefox browsers, it’s once again possible to watch YouTube videos on the device. Unfortunately, the mobile interface of YouTube that loads in these browsers isn’t exactly ideal for a device like the Echo Show. Thankfully, with just a little bit of initial setup, it’s possible to cast YouTube videos from mobile devices, like iPhones and Android phones, to the Echo Show. If you don’t mind using a phone to start and control videos, casting is a much better way to watch YouTube videos on the Echo Show. Here’s how to get it working. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Amazon Echo Show, Guide, YouTube

Amazon Echo Show software update adds Web Browser, Smart Home Dashboard, NBC, Hulu, and more

Posted by Elias Saba on October 11, 2018 — 19 Comments

The all-new Amazon Echo Show is being released today but owners of the 1st generation Echo Show are receiving a software update that adds many of the new model’s features to their existing devices. In addition to an overall system-wide refresh of the interface, the new update has added both the Amazon Silk and Firefox web browsers which, most notably, restores access to YouTube on the Echo Show. Also being added is a new smart home dashboard that gives quick touch access to smart lights and Alexa routines. Echo Shows can now also stream NBC and Hulu programming. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Amazon Echo Show, Echo Show Update, Feature

Skype voice and video calling is coming to Amazon Echo devices

Posted by Elias Saba on September 27, 2018 — 8 Comments

Amazon and Microsoft have announced that Skype calling is coming to Alexa. Amazon Echo smart speakers will be able to make Skype voice calls, while Echo Shows will also be able to make Skype video calls. Those who pay for SkypeOut will also be able to use Alexa to call mobile and landlines through Skype, although that funcitonality is already available for free directly through Alexa’s default calling capabillities. The integration will simply work by saying “Alexa, call [contact] on Skype.” Microsoft says it will arrive on Echo devices later this year.

Posted in Article Tagged with: Alexa, Amazon Echo, Amazon Echo Show, Microsoft, Skype

Amazon announces new 2nd-gen Echo Show

Posted by Elias Saba on September 20, 2018 — 15 Comments

Amazon has announced a new 2nd-generation Echo Show. The new model improves on the last model in nearly every way. It’s much better looking and has a front that is dominated by a large 10.1-inch HD touchscreen. It features premium sound through a pair of side firing speakers behind the display. It’s available to pre-order now for $229.99 in Charcol or Sandstone colors and will arrive on October 11th. Buying 2 at the same time will automatically take $100 off at checkout. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Amazon 2018 September Event, Amazon Echo Show, Announcement

Amazon Echo Show’s new ‘Tap to Alexa’ accessibility feature is handy enough for anyone to use

Posted by Elias Saba on July 25, 2018 — 9 Comments

Amazon has added a new accessibility feature to the Echo Show called “Tap to Alexa.” It’s meant to give people who are unable to interact with Alexa by voice, such as people with a speech impairment, a way to access most of the Echo Show’s features by using the touchscreen. It works by displaying a grid of customizable icons that execute Alexa tasks when tapped. While it’s meant to be used by impaired individuals, it’s actually hand enough that anyone might find it useful. Read more ›

Posted in Article Tagged with: Alexa, Amazon Echo Show, Feature