Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids Edition: A Comprehensive Review for Parents
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for technology that can both entertain and educate our children. The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen, 2023 release) Kids Edition promises to do just that. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a detailed review of this smart display designed specifically for children.
Product Overview
The Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids Edition is a smart display with a 5.5-inch screen, featuring a vibrant galaxy design that’s sure to catch your child’s eye. It comes with Amazon Kids+, a subscription service offering child-friendly content, and includes parental controls for peace of mind.
You can find this product on Amazon.
The Good: What Parents and Kids Love
Many parents have found the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition to be a valuable addition to their children’s rooms. Here are some of the highlights:
“The amount of options this small smart screen/speaker has is perfect for any kids room. From music to stories, Alexa answering random kids questions and the option for the kids to video call parental approved contacts is a no brainer, buy it now!!”
– Jean A.
1. Entertainment Hub: Kids can listen to music, audiobooks, and even watch short videos.
2. Educational Tool: Alexa can answer questions, helping to satisfy curious minds.
3. Communication: Video calling features allow kids to stay in touch with approved contacts.
“I recently got the Echo Show 5 (3rd generation) for my baby’s nursery, and I absolutely love it! It’s been perfect for playing soothing music while putting her to sleep. The ability to control the lights and play bedtime stories as she grows older is such a bonus.”
– Elizabeth Garcia, Helpful votes: 8
4. Bedtime Routines: Parents appreciate the device’s ability to play soothing music and bedtime stories.
5. Parental Controls: The Kids Edition comes with robust parental controls, allowing you to manage content and set time limits.
The Not-So-Good: Common Complaints
While many users love the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition, it’s not without its issues. Here are some common complaints:
“It lags a little bit when you switch screens, other than that it is very nice. I am an adult but I really liked the unique tie dye color on it so I just deleted all the default parental settings and now it works perfectly for my basic day to day needs like a Bluetooth speaker and checking the weather app.”
– Student, Helpful votes: 41
1. Performance Issues: Some users report laggy performance and slow screen transitions.
2. Limited Content: The Amazon Kids+ subscription may not offer enough variety for some children.
3. Connectivity Problems: A few users have experienced difficulties with Wi-Fi connectivity and video calls dropping.
“The connectivity is the biggest issue that is unreliable. Several dropped calls randomly and the Echo Show is less than 10 feet from the main Amazon router. Additionally, I reset the network and internet settings 5 times now and it still has dropped calls.”
– Kristyna Star, Helpful votes: 22
Real-Life Scenario: A Day with Echo Show 5 Kids Edition
Imagine your child’s day with the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition:
7:00 AM: Alexa gently wakes your child with their favorite song.
7:30 AM: While getting ready, your child asks Alexa about the weather and what to wear.
3:00 PM: After school, they use the device to video call grandma for homework help.
7:00 PM: Bedtime story time with Alexa reading a new tale each night.
8:00 PM: Soothing sounds help your child drift off to sleep.
This scenario showcases how the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition can become an integral part of your child’s daily routine, offering both practical assistance and entertainment.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
The Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids Edition has the potential to be a valuable addition to your child’s room. It offers a range of features that can entertain, educate, and even assist with daily routines. However, the reported performance issues and content limitations are worth considering.
If you’re looking for a smart display specifically designed for children, with robust parental controls and kid-friendly content, the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition could be a good choice. Just be prepared for possible performance hiccups and ensure that the content available aligns with your child’s interests.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your family’s specific needs and tolerance for the device’s limitations. For many, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition a welcome addition to their home.