Amazon has updated its Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 smart displays with a new feature that allows each to scan item barcodes so they can instantly be added to a shopping list. The new functionality certainly demonstrates the synergy between the Seattle firm’s hardware lineup and its colossal retail site.
Uttering a command like “Alexa, scan this to my shopping list” will kick-start the barcode-scanning process. Of course, the feature leverages the front-facing cameras on both the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8 respectively.
Once an item is scanned, it will be added to a shopping list. If, for some reason, an item is unable to be logged, you can say a more generic voice command like “Alexa, add bananas to my shopping list” to get the job done.
The new feature was first reported by VentureBeat (later verified by The Verge) and doesn’t particularly come as a surprise. Back in 2018 an Abode Digital Insights report claimed 47 percent of smart speaker owners leveraged their device to search for products and around 43 percent created shopping lists with them.
Unfortunately, it’s currently unclear if the feature is exclusive to US Echo owners or if it’s available more widely. Express.co.uk will update you as and when we hear more.
If you’re not able to take advantage of the new functionality, why not take a look at Express.co.uk’s roundup of the best new tricks to try with your Amazon Echo smart speaker right now.
Additionally, it’s also unknown why the regular Echo Show (second-generation) has not been treated to the functionality. This device comes with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera that, in theory, could allow for barcode scanning.
The latest feature for the Amazon Echo certainly gives it an edge over its arch-rival, Google Home.
At the moment, Google’s only smart display with a front-facing camera – the Nest Hub Max – doesn’t allow for any kind of product scanning. This is presumably because Google doesn’t have its own online marketplace like Amazon.
Of course, the Nest Hub Max has its own advantage over every Echo Show model – its ability to monitor your home via its dedicated Nest Cam.
Express.co.uk will keep you updated with all the latest news and features for the Amazon Echo, so stay tuned!
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