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Amazon’s echo show smart speaker is perfect for outdoor socialising – and it’s nearly 50% off
Listen to music, stream films, make video calls and more with the smart device
With lockdown restrictions relaxing, spring approaching and the whole of summer ahead of us, it is time to start preparing all your essentials for outdoor socialising, from garden gatherings to picnics.
The government’s roadmap out of lockdown allows for six people or two different households to meet outside from 29 March, while from 12 March in both Scotland and Wales, four people are able to socialise outdoors from two households.
As such, we’ll all be looking forward to gathering with friends and family outdoors – and if you’re looking to enhance your picnic in the park or barbecues in the garden, then why not give your speaker a snazzy upgrade.
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Smart speakers offer so much more than an immersive listening experience and can also allow access to a wide selection of music apps, answer questions, pass on messages, double up as alarm clocks, take video calls and much more.
Lending it perfectly to outdoor group socialising, simply turn on the smart speakers virtual personal assistant and anyone can queue their favourite song.
We’re always on the hunt for unmissable deals and this nearly 50 per cent discount on the Amazon echo show does not disappoint.
You can save £35 by taking advantage of Amazon’s offer but make sure you add it to your shopping basket quickly because we’re sure it won’t last long.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism acrossThe Independent.
Amazon echo show 5: Was £79.99, now £44.99, Amazon.co.uk
Currently available for just £44.99, the Amazon echo show isn’t just your run-of-the-mill smart speaker, with the device also enabling you to video chat, make calls, set alarms, watch movies and more.
The compact 5.5in display is perfect for streaming your favourite TV shows or catching up on the news, while access to everything from Prime Video to Netflix means you’re always up to date with the latest releases.
Alternatively, you can also listen to your favourite radio station on BBC Sounds or immerse yourself in an audiobook from Audible.
With access to Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and more, you can listen to your favourite tracks with the option for on-screen lyrics, too.
Read more: We put the new Bose portable smart speaker to the test
If you own any compatible Amazon devices, pair them up and you can use your voice with the echo show to control lights, switches, set thermostats and view security cameras.
As well as its useful hands-free calling ability, what really sets the echo show apart is its video calling feature, meaning you can connect to friends and family all around the world.
If you need further convincing, the device featured in our round-up of the best smart speakers with our reviewer praising the “front-facing camera, making it great for video calls”.
They added: “It is also superbly sized for use as a bedroom alarm clock and Amazon has installed a physical switch that slides a cover in front of the lens for absolute certainty of privacy.”
Adding that “the screen is useful for visual indications of everything from the weather to sports results,” our tester said “of all Amazon’s echo devices with screen, this one is the best balance of size and capability.”
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