Amazon Discontinues Echo Show 8 PhotosPlus Subscription Feature

Amazon Discontinues Echo Show 8 Photos Edition Subscription

In 2022, Amazon introduced the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition, a smart display that promised to showcase the user's favorite pictures prominently, albeit for an extra fee through the PhotosPlus subscription service. However, recent reports indicate that Amazon has suddenly scrapped this subscription plan, much to the disappointment of Echo Show 8 Photos Edition owners.

What Was the PhotosPlus Subscription?

The PhotosPlus subscription was priced at $2 per month and allowed users to set their cherished images as the default content on their Echo Show 8 Photos Edition. This feature enabled a continuous slideshow of selected photos that rotated every 30 seconds. Additionally, it offered an enticing option for users to display photos indefinitely, diverging from the standard practice of replacing the slideshow with advertisements after three hours.

Discontinuation Details

Reports from customers reveal that Amazon has canceled the PhotosPlus service, with an effective termination date of September 23rd. One user reported receiving a message from Amazon confirming the cancellation, effectively making the $159.99 Echo Show 8 Photos Edition no different from the standard Echo Show 8 model.

Despite the cancellation of the subscription, Amazon has stated that current PhotosPlus subscribers can continue to access the 25GB of photo and video storage that the subscription provided. This storage might provide some consolation for users who invested in the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition for its advanced photo features.

Customer Sentiment and Reaction

With the removal of the subscription, many customers are expressing their frustration. They feel that the purchase of the Photos Edition was rendered less valuable, removing a key selling point of the device. This situation raises questions about Amazon's commitment to user satisfaction in terms of product features and services.

The Future of the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition

As it stands, the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition will function like a regular Echo Show 8, without the added benefits of the PhotosPlus subscription. Whether Amazon will provide any alternatives for photo display options in the future remains uncertain, and customers are left to wonder about the viability of similar features on upcoming devices.

Conclusion

Amazon's decision to discontinue the PhotosPlus subscription has disappointed many Echo Show 8 Photos Edition owners. While they will still have access to the photo storage, the removal of the slideshow and promotional-free display features signifies a shift in the value proposition of this device. Stakeholders and customers alike will be watching closely to see how Amazon addresses this feedback and whether future innovations will arise.