This review delves into the Amazon Echo Show 15, detailing all its features. It’s essential to read this before making a purchase!
The Echo Show 15, Amazon’s largest Echo device, boasts a 15.6″ full-screen display resembling a small TV rather than an Alexa device.
Equipped with a 1080p display and full Alexa capabilities, it features built-in Fire TV technology, which attracted me to get one for my kitchen.
After a year of using the Echo Show 15 extensively, I’ve thoroughly tested all aspects, covered features, pros, cons, and more in the detailed review below.
If you’re considering getting one of these to install various Apps & APKs like Kodi, IPTV, and more, it’s crucial to read the relevant sections below before making a decision!
Echo Show 15 Details & Specs
The Echo Show 15 stands out as Amazon’s most powerful Echo device, featuring a large-scale display usable in landscape or portrait orientation based on preference.
Here are the specifications for the Echo Show 15, initially released in December 2021:
- Size: 15.8”W x 9.9”H x 1.4”D
- Weight: 78.1 oz
- Display: 15.6” with 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Wifi: Dual-band, dual-antenna wifi (MIMO). Supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wifi networks
- Audio: Dual 1.6” full-range drivers
- Processor: Amlogic Pop1 octa-core SoC with Amazon AZ2 neural network engine
- Bluetooth: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming
- Language: English & Spanish
- Navigation: Touchscreen & Remote friendly
Priced at $279.99, the Echo Show 15 comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. Visit the official product page by clicking the link below.
Amazon Alexa Show 15 Full HD 15.6” smart display with Alexa and Fire TV built-in
Built-in Fire TV Technology
Let’s delve into the built-in Fire TV technology in the Echo Show 15. This feature was my primary reason for purchasing the device, and likely shared by many others.
Users familiar with Firestick and Fire TV interfaces will find the Operating System on the Show 15 quite familiar, albeit with some minor tweaks.
While the device utilizes touchscreen technology, it also comes bundled with the recognizable Alexa Voice Remote seen with Firestick devices.
Notably, the touchscreen works for most functions except when accessing the Fire TV home screen. However, some touchscreen capabilities remain, like using the Amazon Silk Browser.
Interestingly, the majority of Fire TV interface tasks require the remote, which may seem inconvenient. While the remote functions well, it can be frustrating to switch between touchscreen and remote usage.
The built-in Fire TV OS offers the same functionalities as Firestick, allowing users to install various applications for Movies, TV Shows, Live TV, Gaming, and more.
Users can enjoy their favorite Netflix shows, stream live sports, and access various videos via apps like YouTube and Twitch. The interface showcases Amazon’s original content ads and recommended Movies/Shows, typical of Amazon devices.
All these elements cater to users seeking the standard features of Firestick/Fire TV devices for streaming HD content conveniently from their Echo Show 15’s location.
Despite its positives, certain settings typical of this technology are absent, limiting customization possibilities.
Displayed below are the limited Fire TV Settings options including Content, Applications, Fire TV Remotes, Preferences, and Repeat Guided Setup.
The main Settings missing that we are used to seeing are Accessibility and My Fire TV. These settings allow us to adjust Developer Options and enable Unknown Sources. Enabling these settings is crucial for sideloading on these devices, expanding our streaming options.
For many users, the absence of sideloading capabilities on the Echo Show 15 may be a deal-breaker. Read on to discover more information on this, including a simple workaround for interested individuals.
Sideloading Apps/APKs on Echo Show 15
One of the key reasons the Amazon Firestick is extremely popular is its ability to “jailbreak” and install applications not found in the Amazon App Store. However, this feature is not available on the Echo Show 15 due to Amazon blocking all sideloading capabilities. As a result, users cannot install any external apps or APKs, limiting access to Free Movies, Shows, and more.
Those who rely on streaming apps will be disappointed by the inability to install such apps, despite attempts at various workarounds. The absence of the Downloader App from AFTVNews in the Amazon App Store further complicates these limitations.
As of January 2024, attempts to search for the Downloader app on the Echo Show 15 yield “Unavailable” results, significantly hampering the utility of Fire TV on this device. Without the Downloader app, using Fire TV for third-party content becomes nearly impossible unless restricted to Amazon’s limited App Store offerings.
If you still wish to access content from external sources, a workaround is available. See below for details.
Watch IPTV on Echo Show 15
While installing outside apps for VOD and Live Streaming content isn’t possible, there are alternative methods to enjoy IPTV on the Echo Show 15. If your IPTV Service’s app isn’t in the Amazon App Store, a simple trick allows you to stream live channels through a web player using your preferred browser.
The pre-installed Amazon Silk Browser on the Echo Show 15 works well with various IPTV Services that offer a web player option, enabling access to live channels without additional apps.
Similarly, for streaming movies, shows, and live events without additional apps, the Silk Browser can be used to access favorite Free Movie Sites or Sports Streaming Sites.
However, navigation hurdles and limitations make the Echo Show 15’s experience with IPTV or VOD content less enjoyable, primarily due to the restricted access to third-party apps. If you prioritize watching movies, shows, and more, consider opting for a Fire TV Smart TV or another Android TV device.
Widgets
Like other devices, the Echo Show 15 supports various “Widgets” for content options. However, this feature underperforms on this device, with limited functionality across health, fitness, cooking, and other categories compared to other Echo products.
Although users can install and access widgets, most categories offer only 1 or 2 widget options, limiting choices. Below is an example of the Business & Finance widgets category, illustrating the minimal selection available.
Oftentimes, these widgets do not work properly. Some of them don’t display on the home screen or auto-update. I have this issue with the weather app on my device. It doesn’t always update with the latest weather information and is oftentimes inaccurate.
One widget I really enjoy is the “Recent Apps” tab for Fire TV. It displays my most visited/last opened applications, including Silk Browser. This makes it extremely easy to access my IPTV Service bookmarked within Silk.
Overall, this device is a letdown as most of the widgets don’t perform properly. The interface often lags when accessing, moving, or using them.
Alexa Features
Like all Echo products, the Echo Show 15 has full Alexa capabilities. It includes the Alexa voice remote for use with the built-in Fire TV Operating System.
Unlike other aspects of this device, this feature works reliably. Functions such as home photo integration, built-in microphone/camera, and more operate as expected.
Users can utilize the “Tap to Alexa” feature for touch access to the service instead of voice commands. All of this can be managed within the Alexa app, easily paired with the Echo Show 15.
Conclusion
Upon its release, I had high hopes for the Amazon Echo Show 15. It was the first Echo product with built-in Fire TV capabilities, which excited me. I was eager to explore its potential for streaming my favorite Movies, Shows, Live TV, and more, like most Firestick/Fire TV users.
Unfortunately, accessing the content I desired required sideloading 3rd party applications, which Amazon blocks on this device. This significantly falls short of my expectations, amplified by the buggy interface and lackluster widgets that offer minimal functionality. Despite some updates, performance remains largely unchanged.
Those seeking a full-screen Alexa device with a smart display for high-definition content may find value, but only if they stick to the limited app options in the Amazon App Store. Cord-cutters who appreciate sideloading capabilities of Firestick devices should steer clear of the Echo Show 15 due to Amazon’s restrictions. This blocking could render these devices largely obsolete if it becomes a recurring trend for Fire TV models.
If you require a monitor for content viewing in your kitchen or another room, consider a cheaper Alexa product alongside a small television set like Fire TV or Smart Android TV with sideloading capabilities instead.
Share your thoughts on The Echo Show 15. Do you own one or are you considering a purchase? Leave your comments below!
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