In a surprising move, Amazon has decided to discontinue its Echo Show 8 Photos Edition, less than a year after its initial launch. This decision has left many customers disappointed, as the device's main selling point - its ability to display photos without interruption - will no longer be available.
The Rise and Fall of the Photos Edition
The Echo Show 8 Photos Edition was introduced in September 2022 as a premium version of the standard Echo Show 8. Priced at $159.99, it was $10 more expensive than its regular counterpart. The key feature that justified this price difference was the PhotosPlus subscription service, which allowed users to display their favorite photos continuously without being interrupted by ads or promotions.
What's Changing?
Amazon has confirmed that the PhotosPlus subscription service will be terminated on September 12, 2023. After this date, the Photos Edition will essentially function like a standard Echo Show 8, losing its unique selling proposition. The company has already removed the Photos Edition from its website and is no longer offering the $1.99/month PhotosPlus subscription to new customers.
Impact on Existing Users
Customers who purchased the Photos Edition are understandably frustrated. They paid a premium for a feature that will no longer be available, effectively turning their device into a regular Echo Show 8. While Amazon has stated that users can still access the 25GB of photo and video storage offered through the subscription, the primary function of displaying photos without interruption will be lost.
Amazon's Response
Amazon spokesperson Courtney Ramirez stated, We regularly evaluate our products and services based on customer feedback. The company suggests that users can still use their Echo Show devices as digital photo displays by adjusting settings or using voice commands, but this falls short of the seamless experience promised by the Photos Edition.
Industry Implications
This move by Amazon raises questions about the longevity of niche features in smart home devices. It also highlights the potential risks of investing in products that rely on subscription services for their core functionality.
What's Next for Echo Show Users?
While the Photos Edition is being discontinued, Amazon continues to offer other Echo Show models. The standard Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) is currently available at a discounted price of $104, down from its original $149.99. For those specifically interested in photo display capabilities, alternative options like digital photo frames may need to be considered.
As the smart home market continues to evolve, this incident serves as a reminder for consumers to carefully consider the long-term viability of features when making purchasing decisions, especially for devices that rely on ongoing services or subscriptions.
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| Consider different options for digital displays with the latest Echo Show models still available |