Amazon Echo Show 8 ($180) and Echo Show 11 ($220) hands-on: better hardware and software, Alexa+ is an improvement, but no camera cover and ads are coming later (Jennifer Pattison Tuohy/The Verge)

The recent launch of Amazon's Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 marks a significant update in the company's smart display lineup, priced at $180 and $220 respectively. These devices showcase better hardware and software, with the introduction of Alexa+ being a notable improvement. However, the absence of a camera cover has sparked discussions about privacy, especially as users will also face ads in the future. This duality of enhanced functionality alongside potential privacy concerns highlights the ongoing challenges tech companies face in balancing innovation with user trust.