Amazon unveils new Echo Show 5 smart speaker with display and HD camera

Amazon has revealed its latest smart device to join the Alexa family – the Echo Show 5 – which includes a 5.5 inch display, HD camera with built-in shutter and speakers.

Echo Show 5 has a compact design but is still big enough to use in any room of the house to enjoy both video and audio content.

The product offers a rich sound which makes it great for watching music videos or listening to music through Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, TuneIn and more.

The display also makes it possible to catch up on your favourite programs from Prime Video and other sources.

Soon customers will enjoy integration with wikiHow – a collection of how to videos that give you step-by-step instructions on everything from tying a tie to baking a cake.

Of course, Echo Show 5 is also a smart device that will allow you to control all of our compatible smart home devices.

It’s also possible to view your smart home camera feeds and thermostats as well as access and manage devices by group.

It works seamlessly with brands like Ring and Arlo so you can view these cameras, including Arlo Baby in the nursery to check on the baby, simply by asking it.

There is also two-way talk functionality with the Ring doorbell cameras where you can simply say “Alexa answer the front door”.

You can also wind down and wake up with Echo Show 5 which can turn off the lights at night and play soothing music to get you to sleep and then wake you up again with an animated sunrise before the alarm goes off and turn the kettle on automatically after you get up.

It’s also possible to make hands-free video calls between people with an Echo Spot or Echo Show device or through the Alexa app or Skype.

There are numerous clock faces to choose from and you can even personalise it with a photo or run a slide show of your favourite images.

With the ambient lighting mode, the Echo Show 5 can automatically adjust the brightness of the screen based on the light in the room.

For privacy the device’s camera has a built-in shutter so you can cover the camera while still be able to access Alexa.

The Echo Show 5 will be available in two colours – charcoal and sandstone – and will be priced at $129.

Customers can also purchase a magnetic stand which allows you to tilt the device and adjust the viewing and camera angles for $29.95.

Echo Show 5 will be available from JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks next month.