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Introducing Amazon Echo Hub | 8” smart home control panel with Alexa | Compatible with thousands of devices
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
Purchase options and add-ons
- Introducing Echo Hub — An easy-to-use Alexa-enabled control panel for your smart home devices—just ask Alexa or tap the display to control lights, smart plugs, camera feeds, and more.
- Streamline your smart home — Customize the controls and widgets, displayed on your dashboard to quickly adjust devices, view cameras, start routines, and more.
- Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices — Compatible with thousands of connected locks, thermostats, speakers, and more. WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Matter, Sidewalk and Thread devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub.
- Home security at your fingertips — Use the Echo Hub to arm and disarm your compatible security system. Use the Alexa app and compatible cameras, locks, alarms, and sensors to check in while you're out.
- Easy to install — Echo Hub can be wall mounted anywhere you have an outlet. Use in-wall cable pass throughs or a power-over-ethernet adapter (both sold separately) to hide cables. Also compatible with table-top stand (sold separately).
- Play your music everywhere — Connect your preferred speaker to Echo Hub to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts in any room.
- Designed to protect your privacy — Amazon is not in the business of selling your personal information to others. Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic off button.
- Designed for sustainability – This device is made from 27% recycled materials. 97% of this device packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
We want you to know
Echo Hub does not have an ethernet port and a compatible USB-C to Power-Over-Ethernet adapter is required for PoE installation. Adapter must support both 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings.
The camera snapshot function currently works only with Abode cameras and Ring cameras covered by a Ring subscription. You can still view live feeds from compatible cameras by tapping the device tile or by asking Alexa.
Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View here for pricing and details.
Smart home devices for you
- Smart Lighting
- Security Cameras
- Plugs and outlets
- Vacuums
- Smart locks
- Wifi and Networking
"Alexa, turn on the lights."
Control the lights with your voice.
Customers also bought these items from Amazon Devices
- Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn more
PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Reducing CO2 products reduce their carbon footprint year after year. Certified by the Carbon Trust.
Top Brand: Amazon
Smart home control made easy
Manage your entire smart home with one easy-to-use control panel—
for a custom smart home at a smart value.
Customize to seewhat matters most
Choose the widgets and controls displayed on yourdashboard so you can quickly adjust lights, see cameras,arm security systems, play music, or start routines—like a one-tap routine that locks the doors, dims the lights,and adjusts the thermostat.
One hub. Endless possibilities.
“Alexa, discover my devices.”
Echo Hub works with thousands of connected cameras, lights, locks, plugs, thermostats, speakers, and more—bringing your smart devices together in one convenient hub.
WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Sidewalk, Thread, and Matter devices sync seamlessly with the built-in smart home hub, allowing you to control compatible devices, even if your internet is down.
Works with thousands of Alexa compatible devices
Peace of mind,any time
Use the Echo Hub to arm and disarm your compatible security system, or create a routine in your Alexa app to lock the doors, arm security alarms, and turn off lights. You can also use the Alexa app to check in on your home while you're away.
Elevate your everyday
Helpful Widgets
Stay on track with customizable widgets for your calendar, reminders, and lists.
Just Ask Alexa
Ask Alexa to order groceries, find a recipe, set reminders, and more.
See your photos
The vibrant 8” display lets you show off your favorite photos when not in use.
Pair. Play. Enjoy.
Play music directly from your Echo Hub or connectyour preferred speakers to Echo Hub to control wholehome audio and enjoy your favorite playlists, podcasts,and audiobooks.
Designed to protect your privacy
Echo Hub is built with multiple layers of privacy protection. From the mic off button to the ability to delete your voice recordings, you have transparency and control over your Alexa experience. Echo Hub also supports the ability to securely view your end-to-end encrypted Ring video (coming soon). Learn more about how Alexa and Echo devices work.
Easy to set up and install
Option 1
Use included wall bracket to mount near an outlet.
Option 2
Use in-wall cable pass-throughs(sold separately) to hide cords.
Option 4
Place in the compatible stand(sold separately).
For help with installation and other topics, please visit the Device Help page
Designed for sustainability
We measure this device's carbon footprint and look for opportunities to reduce its emissions at every stage of its life cycle. Figures are for Echo Hub, not including any other versions or any bundled accessories or devices. We update the carbon footprint when we discover new information that changes the estimated carbon footprint of a device by more than 5%.
See Echo Hub fact sheet
Carbon Footprint
Materials
Made from 27% recycled materials. 100% recyclable packaging (shipping packaging not included).
Energy
Low Power Mode reduces energy consumption when idle, except in certain situations. We also invest in renewable energy that, by 2025, will be equivalent to this device's electricity usage.
Trade-in and Recycle
Built to last. But when you're ready, you can trade-in or recycle your devices. Explore Amazon Second Chance.
Compare similar devices
Price | From: $179.99 | From: $149.99 | From: - |
Ratings | 3.8 out of 5 stars (586) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (9,630) | 4.5 out of 5 stars (18,194) |
Alexa Built In | |||
Ideal Placement | On-wall or tabletop. Best placed in Hallways, Entryways, or Open living spaces | Kitchen, living room, or open living spaces | Kitchen |
Release Year | 2024 | 2023 | 2021 |
Advanced smart home controls | - | - | |
Built in Zigbee smart home hub | - | ||
Smart home dedicated home screen | - | - | |
Screen | 8" with 1280 x 800 resolution | 8.0" with 1280 x 800 resolution | 15.6" with 1920 x 1080 resolution |
Speakers | Dual stereo speakers. Best paired with compatible speakers for whole home audio | 2x2.0" neodymium stereo speakers with passive bass radiator | 2x1.6" |
Camera | - | 13 MP with auto-framing | 5 MP |
Best For | The customizable hub of your smart home | Table top HD smart display with spatial audio | Full HD smart display with Fire TV built in |
Power Over Ethernet Compatible | - | - | |
Wall Mountable | - | ||
Microphone Arrays | 4 | 4 | 6 |
Dimensions | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D | 7.9"W x 5.4"H x 3.9"D | 15.5"W x 9.9"H x 1.4"D |
Technical details
Echo Hub
Power requirements |
Compatible with alternative USB-C PD power accessories. Power supply must comply with USB PD protocol and support both 5V/2.4A and 9V/3A ratings. |
Power over Ethernet |
Supports PoE with compatible USB-C converter. Requires IEEE 802.3at/PoE+/Type2 or IEEE 802.3bt /PoE++/Type 3 support. |
Included in the box |
Echo Hub, power adapter (12.5W) and 6 ft. (1.8m) cord (white), wall mount, anchors, screws, mounting template, and quick start guide. Setup requires internet via wifi or ethernet. Device can be wall mounted (electric drill required) or placed on a stand (sold separately). Device not intended for handheld or portable use. |
Display |
8” touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution |
Audio |
Pair of top ported full range speakers, with stereo playback |
Sensors |
Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for proximity detection, ambient light sensor (ALS) |
Wifi connectivity |
Dual-band wifi supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc or peer-to-peer wifi networks. |
Bluetooth connectivity |
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming from your mobile device to Echo Hub or from Echo Hub to your Bluetooth speaker. Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of connected Bluetooth speakers. Hands-Free Profile (HFP) not supported. Bluetooth speakers requiring PIN codes not supported. |
Smart Home Device Compatibility |
Compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy Mesh devices, as well as Zigbee, Thread, and Matter devices as a controller only. Visit the help page to troubleshoot compatible devices. |
Amazon Sidewalk |
A shared network that helps compatible devices work better at home and beyond the front door. If wifi is lost, Sidewalk enables certain devices to stay connected. Also, Sidewalk helps devices like water sprinklers and pet locators work over longer distances. Sidewalk uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth to provide these benefits to you and your neighbors via Sidewalk Bridges (participating Echo and Ring devices), and is turned on for your device unless you have previously turned off the setting. You can turn off Sidewalk at any time. Learn more about Sidewalk. |
System requirements |
Echo Hub comes ready to connect to your internet via wifi or ethernet. The Alexa app is compatible with Fire OS, Android, and iOS devices and also accessible via your web browser. Supported operating systems. |
Set up technology |
Amazon WiFi simple setup enables customers to connect smart devices to their wifi network in a few easy steps. WiFi simple setup is another way Alexa is always getting smarter. Learn more about Frustration-Free Setup. |
Processor |
MediaTek MT 8169 A |
Size |
7.9"W x 5.4"H x 0.6"D (202 mm x 137mm x 15mm) |
Weight |
12.9 ounces (365 grams). Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. |
Warranty and service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately. Use of Echo Hub is subject to these terms found here. |
Privacy features |
Wake word technology, streaming indicators, microphone off button, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, support for Ring’s End-to-End Encryption feature that provides End-to-End Encrypted Ring video (coming soon) on your Echo Hub, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy. |
Accessibility features |
To enable features that personalize Alexa to your abilities, go to Settings → Accessibility.
|
Language |
Alexa speaks English and Spanish. |
Alexa Skills and features |
Alexa makes your life easier, more meaningful, and more fun by letting you voice control your world. Alexa can help you get more out of the things you already love and discover new possibilities you've never imagined. Discover and learn what Alexa can do. |
Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own an Amazon Echo, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Service Availability |
Certain services and skills are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require compatible devices. Certain skills and services may require subscription or other fees. |
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the digital device easy to use. They mention it makes the task incredibly easy, and the setup is easy. However, some customers have reported that the screen sometimes lags in responsiveness and the alerts are delayed at times. They also dislike the power. Opinions are mixed on functionality, build quality, screen size, value for money, and connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the digital device easy to use. They mention it works well as a hub, connects to their smart home devices straightforwardly, and provides a one-stop shop for all their devices.
"...of the Echo Hub, they marvel at it’s capabilities, power, and ease of use. Go figure...." Read more
"...Easy to install, Compatible with Alexa smart devices, pairing has been easy and straightforward...." Read more
"...The setup was quite quick due to the fact that I have other Echo products around the house so it basically auto-provisioned...." Read more
"...real benefit is that my wife enjoys using it as it has been easy for her to utilize where as she does not like my custom dashboards I have put..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the functionality of the digital device. Some mention it works well overall, the proximity sensor works great, and the speaker works good. However, others say it doesn't provide sufficient functionality to justify it over the Echo Show 15, fails to respond to simple commands like "Alexa, set a timer for X minutes", and when the device is in idle mode doesn't work.
"...Managing your device settings. This does a poor job. Your phone can do better...." Read more
"...It’s good hardware and works well, but it’s hindered by the fact they are dumbing it down so the most basic user can operate it and not allowing for..." Read more
"...- and has - the potential to be this device, but it is completely lacking in capability, customization, and next level function...." Read more
"...Sound quality of the device is good for the size. Proximity sensor works great...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the build quality of the digital device. Some mention it has good hardware and the UI seems pretty good, while others say it's disappointingly unreliable and buggy.
"...Speakers. This isn't it. The sound isn't awful but it's not great, and you should only use this as a supplement to other speakers you already..." Read more
"...It’s good hardware and works well, but it’s hindered by the fact they are dumbing it down so the most basic user can operate it and not allowing for..." Read more
"...It's very buggy and unreliable. I like the idea and would like to be able to get a device like this that actually works...." Read more
"...Overall, this is a good first start on a hub. I hope more integrations will be coming...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the screen size of the digital device. Some mention it fits perfectly against the back of the Hub without any annoying bends, while others say it's too small for their main hub interface and the layout of the panel is small.
"...8 inches is too small.” Well, you ordered an 8” device, you colossal idiot...." Read more
"...It's like a $30 no-name android tablet.-The icons are big and few can fit on the screen...." Read more
"...First it is convenient footprint. Been using a Show8 and this is betterIt allows me to control my 97 wireless devices when COMCAST is down...." Read more
"...wall to connect an outlet from a close-by light switch, but the echo hub is so small that the edges of the recessed electrical box would show...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value for money of the digital device. Some mention it's a great value for the money, while others say it's not really worth the price, has an expensive LCD screen that doesn't work as expected, and is overpriced.
"...IF YOU HAVE SMART DEVICESWithout these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet...." Read more
"...the ECHO Hub solution makes the task incredibly easy to do this at a low cost and consistently across the house = I really do love this thing, it..." Read more
"...When it finally dropped, it fell short of my lofty expectations, so…complain, complain and slam it in the reviews...." Read more
"...(Otherwise, it's still an overpriced wall mounted tablet)...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the connectivity of the digital device. Some mention it integrates flawlessly with Ring, while others say devices wouldn't connect and power connectivity could be easily improved.
"...In summary, power connectivity could be easily improved including a rechargeable battery as any tablet, so generic low-voltage cables (5V or 9V)..." Read more
"I bought one of these. It connected okay and found the devices I already had connected to Alexa. All well and good so far...." Read more
"...The worst part of this is that it’s not really a hub because you can’t use this to add or configure your smart home in any way that the other echo..." Read more
"...However, I did not see any integration with Ring sensors (i.e. window/door open or closed, or when there was a change)...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the slackness of the digital device. They mention that the screen sometimes lags in responsiveness, the UI is very laggy, and there's a significant delay in showing Eufy camera feeds. They also say the alerts are delayed at times and the cameras take a bit to load.
"...Cameras take a bit to load but they also do that on the apps in any case. It'll only get better from here.The Cost:..." Read more
"...The wrong combination might take hours (and lots of swearing) to reset back to “normal” operation...." Read more
"...At times the UI can be a little slow to respond. Maybe it's a service call to the cloud to get the instructions...I'm not sure...." Read more
"...but sometimes the buttons don’t do anything when clicked or the camera times out...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the power of the digital device. They mention it has a distinct lack of power options, and the CPU is underpowered. Customers also say the hub has no battery power and the power supply provided is inadequate.
"...The screen is so sluggish, that it must be an under powered CPU, not just bad programming...." Read more
"...However, when I connected it showed an error due to "not enough power"...." Read more
"...The CPU is a little under-powered to be supporting gestures and stuff, but still way faster than the horribly under-powered CPU on the Echo Show 5..." Read more
"...Main drawback is that it does not have a battery, but if you think about it, what would it do when the power is out?..." Read more
Reviews with images
Overpriced but performs well and looks great
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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At times the UI can be a little slow to respond. Maybe it's a service call to the cloud to get the instructions...I'm not sure. I also find myself saying Alexa's name more than once to get her attention compared to how quickly she responds on other Echo devices. There are also some smart devices that are Alexa compatible in the app that do not show up on the hub. One example is the smoke alarm that I have through Kidde. The sensor is in the app and I can ask Alexa questions about it but it doesn't show up on the hub. Not sure if this applies to all sensors like motion or carbon dioxide things like that, but all I can tell you is that the smoke alarm that I have is not showing up in the Echo hub.
Overall though it's a this is a great beginning to a device that was very much needed to manage the modern smart home. Looking forward to future updates to streamline the UI as well as adding additional smart home accessories that can be paired with it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
At times the UI can be a little slow to respond. Maybe it's a service call to the cloud to get the instructions...I'm not sure. I also find myself saying Alexa's name more than once to get her attention compared to how quickly she responds on other Echo devices. There are also some smart devices that are Alexa compatible in the app that do not show up on the hub. One example is the smoke alarm that I have through Kidde. The sensor is in the app and I can ask Alexa questions about it but it doesn't show up on the hub. Not sure if this applies to all sensors like motion or carbon dioxide things like that, but all I can tell you is that the smoke alarm that I have is not showing up in the Echo hub.
Overall though it's a this is a great beginning to a device that was very much needed to manage the modern smart home. Looking forward to future updates to streamline the UI as well as adding additional smart home accessories that can be paired with it.
Is it what it is?, Yes, and that seems to be what people are missing. Almost without exception the early purchasers of the Hub are the techies that have already automated part or all of their home using some combination of devices that include the Amazon ecosystem. They are intimate with every function, switch, routine, and process. They can almost Grunt and their home responds.
Each of the early adopters were looking for a Next-Level panel control. It’s true, the current options, including converting various tablets for wall mount and cobbling together various shortcuts and apps to “act” as a central hub are lacking. Woefully so. Worse, is using the wide variety of apps on a phone or tablet to run their operation. My own system has devices from 8 manufacturers, each happily pushing their own app at me. It’s a pain for me, and impossible for my spouse.
The Echo Hub had - and has - the potential to be this device, but it is completely lacking in capability, customization, and next level function. So to almost every reviewer, it falls woefully short of their expectations.
I get it…kind of. See, I’m that guy too, and had high expectations that this was next-level tech that would boost my Smarthome to the next level. I hit the product page at least weekly for the last four months, eagerly anticipating it going live. When it finally dropped, it fell short of my lofty expectations, so…complain, complain and slam it in the reviews.
Okay, we know what it isn’t.
HOWEVER, let's look at what it is. I am the master of my Smarthome domain, and can grunt and have my home respond. It’s Awesome…. for me. But my spouse has to yell from the back porch to have me turn on the yard lights. House guests use the bathroom nearly dark, because they don’t understand my next level lighting routines. House-sitters won’t come back because they couldn’t turn off the music, and on the TV.
My home has inadvertently become the coffee table full of remotes from yesteryear where only a precise combinations of buttons would result in the TV playing the source, and audio that was desired. The wrong combination might take hours (and lots of swearing) to reset back to “normal” operation. I get it, but it’s a mystery to everyone else.
So the Echo Hub is band-aid that really isn’t for me, or most of its initial purchasers & reviewers. It’s actually for my spouse, house guests, and visitors. It lets them interact with my Smarthome creation and be empowered to control their environment. Not only do they not notice the inherent limitations of the Echo Hub, they marvel at it’s capabilities, power, and ease of use. Go figure.
It will force me to get better at groups, routines, and favorites in the Alexa ecosystem, and I’d say in about a week I’ll have it fully tuned, FOR THEM!, Not me.
So, once I got over my own disappointment, I realized that while what I wanted at this juncture, it’s what I needed. Not next level, but empowering additional users to interact with this level and the current capabilities of my home.
I’m disappointed, I expected more, and I’ll take two more please.
Lastly, I want to address a couple of other common complaints.
“8 inches is too small.” Well, you ordered an 8” device, you colossal idiot. That’s like buying a 6-pack and complaining that there aren’t 7 bottles. It is what it is - precisely what it was advertised to be.
“Its too expensive.” Amazon has spoiled us by having advertising support the actual hardware costs of development and manufacturing of all their devices to date. Most reports indicate that the Alexa division inside Amazon is under-performing and not overly profitable. Thats kind of what you get when you sell a $24 Echo Dot, which is a marvel at voice recognition and cloud powered user response, and then wager I’ll order tons of stuff from Amazon via that portal. I won’t. (Ever? Nope. I would never order a single thing by voice. We’ve all seen the Amazon product listings that show 1 item for $14 and 2 for only $43. If listings ever become less deceptive…maybe. But it’s a hard NO for now.)
The Echo Hub has no advertising, so far. This means the device has to sell for development costs, plus manufacturing costs plus margin. You know, the traditional business model of a product. While it is costly for an Amazon device, a similar product from Apple would run $750 - $1,000. Get over it. Boggles my mind that people pay an amount, and then complain about the amount when the purchasing is entirely within their control. Just return it.
“The speakers suck.” This is interesting. When playing around with the device, I accidentally figured out how to watch a video, and I have to admit that I thought the sound sounded decent. Not noticeably better or worse than the Ipad Mini, of approximately the same screen size. However, the Echo Hub is essentially a remote control for other people to interact with your smart home. Best speakers on a remote control that I’ve ever heard. The people complaining about the speakers no doubt have awesome speakers, surround systems, and audio throughout their home, they and others can now initiate music on those devices via the Hub. Frankly I couldn’t care less about the speaker quality on a wall mounted 8” screen. If I’m ever standing in a hallway, facing an 8” screen and watching a movie, SHOOT ME!
Again, I understand why people are underwhelmed. The Echo Hub isn’t what it could be, should be, or likely will be. Just admit it right now, it’s not for you. But it’s a wonderful gift to your spouse, roommates, house guests, etc. who are frustrated by YOUR Smarthome. Maybe they’ll like it enough to actually encourage you to purchase the next level device when it drops.
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO PULL OUT YOUR PHONE & GO TO ALEXA APP
This is honestly the only reason you should be buying this. Because you can already do everything and more directly on the Alexa app on your phone. So you need to (a) see yourself using the Alexa app a lot, and (b) wish you had it on your wall.
IF YOU HAVE SMART DEVICES
Without these, this is just an overpriced and very bad tablet. Maybe you want to control a few devices around your house like your lights, look at the front door camera. If your requirements aren't too specific with these and you just are willing to take what you can get, then this is it.
IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE OTHER ALEXA SPEAKERS
This really does help bring them together, because you now have a screen, although you might save some money if you get one of the other Echo Show devices. It's cool to have it up on the wall, be able to again, not use your phone, not pull out some tablet, to change songs.
IF YOU WANT A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF SECURITY & THERMOSTAT
This will display your Ring alarm status, let you arm and disarm it, and see what your thermostat is set to from another location across the house (I wouldn't recommend putting them side by side, that's a waste.)
IF YOU WANT YOUR HOME TO FEEL "MODERN" SMART
This reminds me of things I've seen at high-end hotels. It's just cool to have a touchscreen tablet on the wall, and be able to adjust some lights, play music, adjust the temperature.
___________________
DO >>NOT<< BUY FOR:
1) Managing your device settings. This does a poor job. Your phone can do better. This should only be there to access frequently used devices you've already set up but don't want to navigate through your phone to access.
2) Speakers. This isn't it. The sound isn't awful but it's not great, and you should only use this as a supplement to other speakers you already have in your home.
3) Watching videos. Don't do it. I know you might think it'll be nice to put this in the kitchen and watch something while you cook, just get some other display or tablet.
4) Controlling everything. This kind of ties into #1 above but this should only be set it and forget it, quickly click what you can fit on the screen, and overview of your devices per room. Don't spend a lot of time navigating around. Just get any other tablet at that point.
5) Highly specific apps. The apps on it are lackluster. Have some really cool specific idea? You won't be able to do it or it'll end up being bad. You likely won't be able to do exactly what you want, only as I mentioned very very very basic things.
__________________
THE REALLY BAD, DEFINITELY DON'T BUY:
1) Device groups. Currently not supported. If you "favorite" a group of smart devices, it doesn't display it and you can pretty much only do one device at a time, with the "group" being the entire group like "Living Room." This was almost a deal-breaker for me, hopefully they add it later, but I've since found some workarounds for me specific use case. But I wanted to group four mart lights in a room, per room, and have it all display under favorites and could not do that.
2) Smooth tablet experience. Nope, this is going to feel like a really cheap tablet because it is a really cheap tablet. You're going to have to be patient and wait one second or maybe even two for some things, and you'll see it stutter once in a while. This is still miles better than anything else like it that's meant to go on your wall. But probably one of the worst if you're comparing it to an iPad or high-end Samsung tablet.
__________________
The Screen:
Feels like a really cheap tablet, but they make it work for what it is. The size could have been bigger but honestly then it'd look weird and not like a wall panel. I like it, I just wish there was some more customizability (there isn't really.)
The Audio:
Again, feels like a really cheap tablet or laptop.
The Design:
Works out for being wall-mounted. I like the big bezel.
Portability:
No. Almost none. Do not expect to unplug this and move it around.
The Software:
Needs some work but it's not as terrible as people make it out to be. I've noticed a few minor bugs like arming my Ring if a device needs a bypass gets it stuck with no error, just loading. Smart thermostat (Nest) if you try to set it to let's say 72 to 73, it will error out vaguely when you should remember that you need a bigger gap between the low and high number. Cameras take a bit to load but they also do that on the apps in any case. It'll only get better from here.
The Cost:
I wish it would have been closer to $100, but hey, I bought it at full price because I saw the value. If you do not see the value, do not buy it, you'll be disappointed. This is the type of product that's simultaneously worth $50 and $500.