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Amazon Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which should you buy?
Editor's note: This comparison originally focused on the 2021 models of the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. New models (with only modest changes) were released in 2023, so the older versions are no longer available to purchase as new. We've updated our links to take you to the current Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 8. Our original comparison follows.
It can be exciting when a brand like Amazon drops new versions of its devices, but it can also be overwhelming to figure out which one is best for you (and if it's worth paying more than its original version). After testing the second generations of both the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8, I'll walk you through what’s the same, what’s different, what they bring to the table compared to the first gen versions.
While these smart displays don’t have the portability or functionality of an iPad or a Surface tablet, they work flawlessly with Alexa and serve as a smart home HQ to make your day-to-day life just a little bit more streamlined.
SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card Size: It's in the nameThe most noticeable difference between the Echo Show 5 and the Echo Show 8 is, of course, their size. The Echo Show 5 has a 5.5-inch screen and 6-inch x 3-inch footprint, while the Echo Show 8 is significantly larger — boasting an 8-inch screen and an 8-inch x 4-inch footprint.
Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) is smaller and would work better in a bedroom or office. Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is significantly larger — best for a central house hub. Credit: amazonIn my opinion, that makes the Echo Show 8 way better suited to be your family “hub” — located in a central location like the kitchen or dining room for easy video calls with the grandparents using Alexa. All you have to do is add contacts you’d like to call in the Alexa app on your phone. However, it may not be a necessary purchase if you already have a tablet with great video functionality. And if you want a larger device as your smart home hub, the Echo Show 10 is an even better choice.
Regardless, the Echo Show 8 offers some other advantages for video calls in addition to its size.
On the other hand, the Echo Show 5 would be better in places where you want the device's functionality, without it being front and center — like your desk or nightstand.
And if you're a sucker for colorways, the Echo Show 8 only comes in the glacier white and charcoal color options. You can get more variety with the new Echo Show 5, which comes in glacier white, charcoal, and deep sea blue. The Echo Show 5 Kids comes in chameleon green.
Camera and video callingThe Echo Show 5 got a decent camera upgrade from its 1st gen version — increasing the megapixels from one to two. However, it was a whole different ball game for the Echo Show 8. While the 1st gen Echo Show 8 offered a 1 MP camera, the revamped 2021 model came equipped with a 13 MP camera, which carried over into the 2023 model.
SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 15 is a smart hub for connected homesThe image is incredibly crisp, and alongside the larger screen makes the Echo Show 8 the video call winner. But that’s not even the best part: The Echo Show 8 features auto-framing functions that automatically pan and zoom the camera to keep it focused on the people in view.
Both devices also feature some handy connectivity features, like intercom to page every Alexa device in the house (“We’re leaving in 15 minutes, so be ready!”) and drop-in, which allows you to video chat with any connected Alexa device.
Zoom callsThe Echo Show 8 can also join Zoom calls, while the Echo Show 5 can’t. To be totally honest, I could not get the Zoom call feature to work after several tries because none of the calls I joined had a dial-in number.
I’ll still say the Echo Show 8 wins on this one just because it’s theoretically possible, and I’m really hoping to be able to join Zoom calls from it soon to free up my laptop and extra monitor for in-meeting multi-tasking.
Kid-friendly contentDuring the initial setup, you can choose to make any Echo Show device a dedicated device for a kid. This gives you access to some expanded parental controls, which is great for older children, tweens, and teens that you still want to shield from some of the worst things the internet has to offer.
However, the Echo Show 5 Kids is the first and only Echo Show that’s bottom-to-top and side-to-side designed for kids. It features a fun design (the chameleon color looks like dinosaur scales, according to my 5-year-old), and comes with a free year of Amazon Kids (usually $5.99 per month) — which offers curated books, games, and videos just for kids far beyond what’s available through a basic Prime membership. In addition, it comes with souped-up parental controls so you can tweak things even more.
Alexa functionalityBoth the 2nd gen Echo Show 5 and the 2nd gen Echo Show 8 have some Alexa abilities that their 1st gen counterparts don’t.
First up is the home monitoring function, where you can remotely access the camera on your device from the Alexa app just to check in on things. You’ll need a WiFi connection to do it, but I had no problems getting it to work. I can imagine it would be great to check in on pets, the babysitter, or just to take a peek at your home while on vacation to make sure everything is on the up and up.
Next is the addition of motion-enabled routines. This allows Alexa to detect when you enter or leave a room and use that activity to start a routine. Fair warning, this can open a can of worms re: privacy, but it also opens up some exciting possibilities for the smart home buff. You could have Alexa read your calendar when you walk into your office, or turn off all smart-enabled devices when there’s no motion detected in the living room — and those are just two simple ideas. With the addition of Alexa-enabled devices or smart plugs, your options open up even more. Amazon does offer ways to manage these settings if you'd like to delete recordings or manage your data.
All of these devices feature the same Alexa functionality you came to expect from the previous iteration of Echo Show devices.
SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device should you buy? Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 8: Which one is better?For only $45 more, the Echo Show 8 was the clear winner for me. Not only does it have a larger screen and a 13 MP camera with auto-framing (making it the best for video calling), it also allows you to hop on Zoom meetings, if/when you can get that function to work properly.
If video calls and Zoom meetings aren’t your concern, then the Echo Show 5 is still a great choice — like the 2nd gen Echo Show 8, the new Echo Show 5 boasts many of the same expanded Alexa functions, like home monitoring and motion detection routines. And of course, if you want one made for kids, then you’ll want to go with the Echo Show 5 Kids.
Overall, I’m a fan of both, but the Echo Show 8 came out on top for our home.
Amazon Echo Show 8 $84.99 at Amazon$149.99 Save $65.00 Shop Now
I’ve tested many robot vacuums, and the Ultenic T10 Elite for under $230 is a great deal
SAVE $100: As of Dec. 12, the Ultenic T10 Elite robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $269.99 at Ultenic. Use code 2024XMAS at the checkout to bring the price down to $229.50 — $100 off its usual $329.99 price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ultenic Ultenic T10 Elite Robot Vacuum $229.50 at Ultenic$329.99 Save $100.49 Get Deal
Ultenic T10 Elite is a solid robot vacuum solution for anyone looking to make household chores less of a chore. With its self-emptying base, this robot vacuum provides 45 days of hands-free cleaning, so you can set it and forget it. Unlike standard vacuums, which require constant attention, the T10 Elite empties its dustbin after every cleaning session, keeping it ready for whatever mess comes next.
What sets the T10 Elite apart is its precise laser navigation technology. This feature allows the vacuum to efficiently map your entire home, ensuring it cleans every corner without wasting time on random movements. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, the T10 Elite adjusts its cleaning route for maximum efficiency. Its vacuum and mop combo can handle tough dirt and sticky spills in one pass, leaving your floors spotless.
SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPNT10 Elite automatically returns to its charging station when the battery runs low and resumes cleaning right where it left off once it's powered up. You don't need to monitor its progress, it's as independent as a robot can get. Plus, quiet operation at just 55dB won't interrupt your Zoom meetings, movie nights, or even your baby's nap time.
The Ultenic app offers control and customization. It lets you set cleaning schedules, designate specific areas to clean or avoid, and check the progress from your smartphone. Prefer voice commands? The T10 Elite works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it easy to give it instructions without lifting a finger.
At a discounted price of $229.50 with code 2024XMAS, you're saving $100 on a model packed with premium features that usually come with a much higher price tag. Preparing for holiday guests or just looking to simplify your routine? This deal offers unbeatable value.
Deals on direct-from-brand websites don't last long, and this discount code runs out at the end of the year. Let Ultenic T10 Elite take care of your floors while you focus on the things that matter this Christmas.
18 of the best ChatGPT courses you can take online for free
TL;DR: A wide range of ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.
Udemy is a popular hub for online courses, covering everything from Python programming to Microsoft Excel. And some of these courses are available to take for free, including some highly-rated lessons on ChatGPT.
We've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout ChatGPT courses to get you started. These are the best online ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:
Intro to Manual and Automation Software Testing with ChatGPT
Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation
The Introduction into ChatGPT Content Creation for Beginners
These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.
Find the best free ChatGPT courses on Udemy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI Courses Free at Udemy Get DealHow to unblock Sora for free
TL;DR: Unblock Sora from anywhere in the world with a reliable VPN. The best VPN for unblocking Sora is ExpressVPN.
OpenAI has officially launched Sora, but not everyone has access.
Sora is a text-to-video AI model, allowing users to generate videos from text, images, and video inputs. Sora is open to users who have subscribed to the Plus or Pro plan of ChatGPT. However, Sora is not available in the EU or UK. That's frustrating for eager users looking to give it a try.
Do not fear. If you're looking for the best way to unblock Sora for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.
How to unblock Sora for freeVPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in another location. This straightforward process bypasses content restrictions so you can access services like Sora from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Sora by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Sora
Access Sora from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for unblocking Sora are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock Sora and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're waiting for Sora access to rollout worldwide.
If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you might benefit from a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking online services is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Sora?ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking services like Sora, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy
Fast streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock Sora for free with ExpressVPN.
62 of the best Harvard University courses you can take online for free
TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available to take for free on edX.
It's time you got to know edX. This popular platform hosts a wide range of free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University. That's right, you could become a student of Harvard University without spending anything. And you wouldn't even need to leave the house.
edX offers free courses on topics like Python programming, AI, cybersecurity, and much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of online courses to get you started. These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:
Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health
Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation
The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life
The catch is that these free courses don't include a certificate of completion. But you can still enroll at any time and start learning at your own pace, so what's stopping you from trying out these online courses for yourself?
Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.
Opens in a new window Credit: Harvard University Harvard University Courses Free at edX Get DealRoomba models, explained: The guide to deciding which Roomba to buy in 2024
It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.
That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.
How to tell the difference between the Roomba modelsThe arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.
SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all yearWhen shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).
As of winter 2024, the five main Roomba collections up for grabs are as follows, from most advanced to least advanced: Max, j series, s series (though nearly obsolete), i series, and Essential series.
SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuumA plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. Note that there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping capabilities or self-emptying docks. "Max" is a new layer of Roomba typology that was introduced with the drop of the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a mopping Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, and that means no smart mapping.
To pinpoint which Roombas have smart mapping, pay close attention to how navigation is discussed in the title or in the list. If you don't literally see the words "Smart Mapping" anywhere, that Roomba cannot map your home and clean specific rooms on command. No, "Smart Navigation" or anything about cleaning in "neat rows" does not count.
When is a new Roomba coming out?Probably not at least until spring 2025, but that probably won't even be the new flagship Roomba.
iRobot is on a different release schedule than most other big robot vacuum brands that typically debut their new flagship models for the year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) every January. Obviously, the Roomba family is spread out across a range of prices, and iRobot has quietly unveiled the more basic Roombas earlier than the big, new Roomba in the past. But if, in your eyes, a question about "the new Roomba" refers to the next Roomba that'll be a big deal, that probably won't be seen until August or September 2025. The past two flagship Roombas (the Combo j9+ and Combo 10 Max) both dropped in late summer (in 2023 and 2024, respectively), so the fanciest Roomba in this list now will probably be the fanciest Roomba for a while.
This doesn't mean exciting things don't happen to the Roombas already out. Roombas go on sale pretty frequently, even if it's not the Black Friday, holiday, or Prime Day season. So it's possible that at any point in time you're reading this, the particular Roomba you're eyeing is $100 or two off. I list the MSRP for each by default, but will mention the most common sale price that each Roomba drops to in "The Good" section.)
SEE ALSO: It wasn't hard to narrow down the Shark robot vacuums to these top 3Not sure which Roomba would be the most worth it in your household? I've tested nearly every Roomba series released since 2019 in my own home, and have composed a running Roomba model comparison guide to all of the best iRobot options at any point in the year. Not every single Roomba model in existence will be listed in this guide, and not every "main" Roomba on iRobot's website will be recommended as one of the best. Rather, I've pulled Roombas from multiple price points that I think offer the best value in various categories that people care about, whether that's mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, the cheapest possible path to all of those features, or budget alone. Each Roomba's battery life and automatic emptying capabilities will be noted, along with my reasoning for choosing the highlighted model over other Roombas with similar prices.
Here's your easy breakdown of all of the best Roomba vacuums as of December 2024:
NASA video shows its next Martian helicopter soaring over Mars
NASA's Mars helicopter proved so successful, the space agency is conceptualizing larger, more advanced helicopters that might someday fly on Mars.
After over 70 flights, the Ingenuity helicopter — the first craft to ever make a powered, controlled flight on another planet— crashed in the Martian dunes in January 2024. But its unexpected achievement (engineers hoped it might make five flights) has prompted research into what the agency calls its "Mars Chopper."
"In addition to scouting, such a helicopter could carry science instruments to study terrain rovers can’t reach," NASA said.
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.The short video below shows a helicopter with six main rotors, compared with Ingenuity's two. Such a design could allow the craft to have more lift efficiency, and travel greater distances.
Flying on Mars is daunting. The Martian atmosphere is quite thin, with a volume about one percent of Earth's. This makes it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. To take to the air, Ingenuity spun its four-foot rotor blades at a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute. But the relatively light design not only succeeded — it's been hugely informative
"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars," Teddy Tzanetos, Ingenuity’s project manager, said in a NASA statement.
"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars."The futuristic chopper's design is still in its infancy, and some things will almost certainly evolve. But the current concept is 20 pounds heavier than Ingenuity and would be able to travel some two miles a day, NASA explained. For reference, Ingenuity's longest flight was 2,310 feet (704 meters).
For its future exploration of the Red Planet, the space agency is also investigating a Mars plane, which would be capable of taking off and landing vertically, like a helicopter. Both choppers and aircraft would be a great boon for Martian exploration, a world that once teemed with water, may harbor great subterranean lakes today, and could hide secrets in caves.
On an extraterrestrial world with no runways, these craft may become invaluable pioneers.
15+ of the best Advent calendars for counting down to the holidays
Anyone who grew up in a Christian household knows two truths: One, you can learn a lot about biblical themes from a talking cucumber. And two, no holiday season is complete without an Advent calendar.
A religious custom that stems from 19th-century Lutherans in Germany, Advent calendars traditionally mark each day of (you guessed it) Advent — the hopeful season that spans four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Dec. 25. They typically contain compartments or pockets that can be filled with tiny trinkets for kids, which are designed to be opened one at a time as a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas.
SEE ALSO: 60+ of the absolute best stocking stuffers for 2024In a moderately blasphemous twist, recent adaptations by big-name brands have given Advent calendars secular appeal as a seasonal holiday indulgence for people (and even pets) of all ages. After hitting a mainstream stride in the mid-2010s, Google search interest has peaked several times — folks are anticipating them so hard, in fact, that search interest for the phrase "advent calendar" in June 2024 had already beat out the number from December 2022 (the previous all-time high). It's popping off in a similar fashion in the midst of the 2024 holiday season.
Much of Advent calendars' modern popularity can be credited to TikTok, where they've starred in myriad unboxing videos that are suspenseful and addictive to watch (in a similar vein as fashion hauls). But it's also because they're easy ways for retailers to tempt cagey, inflation-weary consumers into sampling products they may not have purchased otherwise: everything from fancy French jams to Lego sets. Advent calendars are a prime example of "needing a little treat" culture (treatcore? being treat-pilled?) at work.
Some Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season. (This is your reminder for next year to shop by Black Friday if you want your picking of all of the Lego ones, or Sephora's big box for the year.) But if you hurry, you can still order one before carolers start lining up on your doorstep. Keep reading for our curated list of the best Advent calendars for 2024.
