Alexa’s Conversation Mode is being added to the second-generation of Amazon’s Echo Show 8 smart displays as a software update.
The first release of Echo Show 10 smart displays with Conversation Mode was in December 2021, so if the name sounds familiar, that’s because it was then. As far as I can tell, there are no differences between this and the previous version of the functionality. What Amazon is doing is facilitating its customers’ access to this developing technology. You can now issue orders to Alexa without needing to keep repeating the wake word. Alexa now has a more human-like voice quality as a result.
Explanation of Operation
The wake word (by default, “Alexa”) must be spoken before “switch on Conversation Mode” or “join the conversation” may be said to activate the mode. The Echo Show 8 can now take voice instructions from everyone in the room, allowing anyone to do things like add products to a shopping list by simply saying the words. If the Show 8’s display is surrounded by a solid blue border, then the mode has been enabled.
According to the release, Amazon’s cloud would not be used for storing images or movies. Only certain commands are logged, and you can remove them from Alexa’s log by clicking to Review Voice History in the Privacy Settings menu.
You must be within the range of the Echo Show 8’s camera, not have it muted, and stare at it to give it commands when in Conversation Mode. This is where the Echo Show 8 presents a slight challenge. The screen on the Echo Show 10 can swivel as it follows you around the room to ensure that it is always positioned to catch every word you say. As it sits on your counter top, the Show 8 is a more stationary device.
Because of this, you may need to manually rotate it so that the Show’s camera can focus on you. The Echo Show 8 is less expensive ($129.99) than the Show 10, which has a more advanced display ($249.99), thanks to its more robust build.
Undefined accessibility
Unfortunately, it appears that Conversation Mode for the Echo Show 8 has the same linguistic restrictions as previous iterations. Amazon’s support staff claims that the feature is currently available in English and that its future language support is uncertain. Whether or not this function is universally accessible is also unknown. Unfortunately, Conversation Mode on the Echo Show 10 is currently only available in the United States. In that case, it’s probable that the Show 8’s new mode will remain inaccessible outside of the United States, since it only supports English.
We contacted Amazon to inquire about future expansion of Conversation Mode outside the US and any other upcoming software updates. Any new information will be reflected here.
Furthermore, the Amazon pre-Black Friday sale will be available from October 11th to 12th, so mark your calendars! Amazon has stated that there will be “extra savings linked” to Alexa-enabled products on specified dates.
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We don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Echo Show 8 announced its Conversation Mode just before it was released.