Smart displays fix the problem of needing information quickly without having to pull out your phone every five minutes: The Echo Show 5 lets you see the weather at a glance while you get ready, lets you video call your grandparents so they can see the kids, shows you the feeds from your security cameras when someone rings the doorbell, and lets you control your smart lights without having to look for switches.

Amazon is using its usual Black Friday strategy of selling its own devices for record low prices with small margins, just like it does with Kindle readers, Ring cameras, Blink security systems, and Eero routers. And right now, the Echo Show 5 is now $54 instead of its usual $89 price which makes it a simple way to get into smart home technology that you will use every day.

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Voice Control with Visual Feedback

The 5.5-inch screen changes how you talk to Alexa by showing you information instead of just talking to you: You can see the whole forecast for tomorrow’s weather when you ask about it and this helps you plan your outfit better than just hearing the temperature numbers. When you set timers while cooking, they show up on the screen so you can see how much time is left on each one without stopping what you’re doing. When you stream music from Spotify, Amazon Music, or other services, the screen shows the song titles and album art which makes you feel more connected to what you’re listening to.

The 2 MP camera lets you video call people in rooms where you wouldn’t normally set up a laptop and the Alexa app or any other Echo device with a screen lets you call anyone. This makes it easy to check in with family members who might have trouble using regular video chat apps.

When you can see your devices on screen, smart home control becomes more visual and immediate: You can turn off lights in other rooms, change the temperature on your thermostat, or check the status of smart plugs and switches around your house by tapping the screen. You can also see who’s at the front door from your bedroom or kitchen using the built-in camera and compatible video doorbells and security cameras.

The audio quality is much better than in earlier generations with deeper bass and clearer vocals that make music fun to listen to instead of just background noise. This isn’t a dedicated speaker system but it sounds good enough for you to use it often for listening to podcasts, news briefings and casual music streaming. The small size means it can also fit on nightstands, kitchen counters, or desks without taking up too much space.

When you’re not using the Show 5, its photo display feature makes it look like a digital frame: Instead of showing a blank screen, you set up a slideshow of your favorite photos that goes through your memories. Family members can also send photos straight to your Echo Show which means that grandparents can send photos that show up automatically without either side needing to know anything about technology.

Privacy controls take care of the obvious worries that come with having a camera and microphone in your home: When you want to be sure no one can see or hear you, physical buttons turn off the mic and camera completely and a built-in shutter also covers the camera lens mechanically. The device supports end-to-end encrypted Ring video which means that your security footage stays private between your cameras and your screen.

Amazon’s $54 price is in line with the company’s Black Friday strategy of getting people to buy its ecosystem products by offering big discounts. You’re getting hardware from the current generation with better sound and a bigger screen for less than what many basic Bluetooth speakers cost.

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