Amazon shrinks Echo Show with new $90 5.5-inch model

Amazon has revealed a new model in its Echo product lineup, with the Echo Show 5 being a compact version of the original screen-based assistive device, this time equipped with a 5.5-inch display and a low price tag of $90.

The third Echo device to have a display following the larger stablemate the Echo Show and the circular Echo Spot, the Echo Show 5 is a more affordable version that provides the same functionality as the big-screen model, in a smaller frame and at a lower cost.

Like the original, the Echo Show 5 can be used to ask questions of Alexa, to control a smart home, and to perform the same automation and entertainment functions as one of Amazon's Echo speakers. This also includes connecting to various third party services, including Apple Music and Spotify for music streaming, audio books, and podcasts.

The visual nature also means the results of queries can appear on the display, as well as recipes and to-do lists, photographs, and a clock. The unit is also able to perform video calling and messaging with those using the Alexa app, an Echo device with a display, or Skype using its built in camera and microphone, and can even display a live video feed from the Ring Video Doorbell.

For privacy, it is possible to deactivate the camera and microphone with a button press, and an additional hardware slider can be put in place over the camera lens to ensure nothing visual can be captured by the device.

This time the Echo Show 5's 5.5-inch display has a resolution of 960 by 480, a step down from the 10.1-inch 1280 by 800 display in the larger model. The dual 10-Watt speakers with passive radiator and Dolby processing in the original has been exchanged for a single 4-Watt speaker, and the 5-megapixel camera has been replaced by a 1-megapixel shooter in the new version.

Released on June 26 in the United States, the Echo Show 5 is available to pre-order now at $89.99, less than half the price of the $229.99 Echo Show.