How to make a video call using the Echo Show

The Amazon Echo Show is part of a line of smart speakers that come with integrated displays. There are currently three versions of the Echo available in India — the Echo Show 5 for Rs 8,999, the Echo Show 8 for Rs 13,999, and the Echo Show 10 for Rs 21,999.

As the names suggest, the Echo Show 5 comes with a 5.5-inch display, the 8 with 8-inch display, and the 10 with a 10.1-inch display. All Echo Show devices offer the voice assistant Alexa and support video calling via Alexa, Zoom, and Skype. They also offer video streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video, and smart home control for connected devices.

On the video calling front, the Echo Show line is really good. Once set up, you simply ask Alexa to place a call and it does so for you. Better yet, the wide-angle cameras on the Show use AI-powered auto-framing tech to try and keep you in the centre of the frame, while the excellent mics pick up your voice from any angle. The third-generation Echo Show 8 and 2nd generation Echo Show 10 both swivel on a motorised base to maintain framing while you move around the room.

How to make a video call using the Echo Show

You’ll first need to sign into your Echo Show device and give Amazon access to your contacts. This is done during the initial setup process via the Alexa app on your phone. Simply follow the on-screen instructions when setting up the device for the first time, and sign in via your official account. Allow it to access your contact list when prompted to allow the Echo Show to place calls to people in your contacts.

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Once done, you have two options for placing a call. If the device is within reach, simply swipe down from the top of the screen, select Communicate, select a contact, select a device you’d like to call them on (preferably another Echo Show for the best compatibility), and then place the call. The Echo Show will call your contact via the internet and you’re now communicating via video call!

Do note that the Echo Show includes a privacy shutter and camera control to give you absolute control over when your camera is turned on.

The simpler option is to just use the integrated Alexa voice assistant. As long as you’re within range of the Echo Show’s mics, you can simply say something like “Alexa, call mom”, and the device will then place the call. This is of course assuming that there is a contact named “mom” in your contact list. Once the call is done, you can either tap the red call end button on the screen, or say, “Alexa, end video call.”

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If you want to make group video calls, you’ll need to create a contact group in your Alexa app and give it a name. Let’s use “Family” as an example name for a family group that includes your parents, spouse, and kids. You can either call “Family” via the touch interface, or say “Alexa, call Family” to initiate the call. For the sake of privacy, only those who opt in to the group video call will be added to the group.

You now know how to make video calls and group video calls with Alexa and the Amazon Echo Show! In fact, how about giving your friends and family an Echo Show this Diwali to help everyone stay in touch? You’ll find amazing deals for the same on Croma as part of its Festival of Dreams sale.