Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock Review

You may or may not have heard of the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock, which some sources suggest turns your Fire tablet into an Echo Show.

Whilst it doesn't quite do that - and only works with certain versions of the Fire - it's still a great accessory in its own way!

In this article I'll explain just what the Show Mode Charging Dock can (and can't!) do, which versions of the Fire it will work with, the advantages of using it... and why I love mine!

Looking for a review of the All-New Charging Dock, 
compatible with the All New Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus?
Please click here

What is the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock?

As its name suggests, the dock is a special stand to both charge your Fire tablet and take advantage of its 'Show Mode' capabilities. 

When you place your Fire into the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock,  your tablet begins charging and Show Mode is automatically enabled.

Essentially, then, the charging dock is 3 items in one:

• A magnetic charger 
• A stand to make Show Mode easier to use
• A case for your tablet

What is show mode?

'Show Mode' was designed by Amazon to bring something of the feel of the Echo Show to Fire Tablets. The much more expensive Echo Show is a 'smart assistant/speaker', which uses Alexa to give video and audio responses to your questions and commands.

Show Mode gives a similar experience. With its larger, bolder letters and video information displayed in sync with Alexa's voice,  you can clearly see what is on the display from a distance.

Different Ways to use the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock

One of the main advantages of using the dock is that it functions like a stand (with benefits!).

It's fully adjustable and positions  your Fire at the perfect angle to keep an eye on what's on the screen, making it ideal for anything from following a recipe video in the kitchen to watching a movie in bed.

Once you start using Alexa and Show Mode more often, you'll find that it's actually incredibly useful. It's a great way to:

• access the news and videos
  
  
• access your playlists and listen to music (I have mine set up to use Spotify as its source)
  
  
• view calendars
  
  
• set timers and reminders*

*Because it's always charging your Fire, it can be used as a reliable alarm clock, too, if stationed on your night stand. 

If you use the Ring doorbell system, then Show Mode is an easy way to see who's at the front door. You can even use it to keep an eye on your baby via a live camera feed from the nursery!

And it's useful for staying in touch with friends and family, too! You can use it to make calls or send messages, or even make hands-free video calls to anyone who has a Fire tablet, Echo device or the Alexa app.

Unlike a regular stand or a stand-type case, it needs to be connected to a power source. For that reason, it's a good idea to pick a spot where it will sit for most of the time. I keep mine in the kitchen, where I spend a major part of my day and where the whole family can take advantage of Alexa's amazing knowledge!

A friend of mine actually has 2 Charging Docks, one in the kitchen and another in her bedroom, so she can just pop her tablet into the dock in the room she's in, without disconnecting it from its power source.

My favorite thing about the Dock...

 ...is its ability to automatically - and magnetically - charge my device.

One of the Fire's biggest weak points is its charging port. It is - unfortunately - very delicate and often the first part of the tablet that's likely to malfunction. (Here's my recommendation for the best way to protect the port from damage).

I regularly hear from users who have a lot of trouble getting their devices to charge - often having to prop the charging wires at odd angles to make them work - or where the devices just won't charge at all.

And - as you'll know if you're a parent - children are not always too careful when it comes to plugging in their chargers, often ramming them in and shortening the life of the port even more quickly.

Once the Fire tablet's charging port stops working properly and you're outside the warranty period, it's either expensive - or impossible - to repair.

The Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock simply does away with the need for any charging wires at all.

This, to me, is a wonderful benefit. It also means that my device is constantly charged - because we all know that sinking feeling when we settle down to enjoy a movie on our Fires, only to discover the battery is down to 2%!

The dock makes charging easy, because built in magnets automatically align your Fire to the right position for connection. As soon as it's in position, charging begins and Show Mode turns on!

Setting up your Show Mode Charging Dock

Unboxing

The first thing you may notice when you start unboxing the dock is its weight - this is a relatively heavy, sturdy piece of equipment.

This is obviously important, as you want to be sure your tablet is safe when seated on it. What's more, the base features rubberized grips, so you'll know that the stand won't slide across the piece of furniture you decide to set it on.

The dock includes a backshell case, which must be used in order for the contacts to align for charging (more on this in a moment).

Although you can use this case independently of the dock, it doesn't provide any protection for your Fire's screen. This means that you may either want to buy a screen protector or a separate case, just for when you're out and about with your tablet.

The case has a special cap, which you put on the charging port. This allows your Fire to charge automatically every time you place it in the dock.

On the stand you'll see two metal sensors. These line up with the contacts on the case - assisted by magnets which help center the case in the dock -  and allow it to charge.

So much easier than plugging in and unplugging a charging wire!

Assembling your Show Mode Charging Dock

Connect the dock to the power supply, then plug it into the wall and switch on.

Pull out the back of the stand.

Pull out the cap for the charging port on the case.

Place your tablet into the backshell case and attach the cap to the charging port. Snap the tablet securely  into the case.

Line up the contacts on the case with the 2 prongs on the stand

And that's it!

Your Fire will automatically start charging and Show Mode is enabled, ready for use!

Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock vs Echo Show 

Some reviews suggest that using the Show Mode Charging Dock with your Fire tablet is the same as using the far more expensive Echo Show.

Well, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for!

While the charging dock gives you some of the features of the Echo, it certainly isn't the equivalent!

For one thing, the audio quality of the Fire tablet is significantly inferior to that of the Echo.

The volume is much quieter, although I've gotten around this by pairing my Fire with my bluetooth speaker (I use an Oontz speaker which is so good I wrote a review of it here).

So whilst it's a problem with an easy fix, it's definitely something to consider!

The microphone, too, is less powerful and I find I have to stand closer to my device for my commands to be recognized than I would with the Echo Show.

Another - more important - issue is that other Echo devices don't recognize the Show Mode Charging Dock.

This means that there is no integration at all, so you can't add the Charging Dock to an Echo Group.

Is the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock worth the money?

As you've seen in this article, this accessory isn't for everyone.

So here's my summary to help you decide if the Amazon Show Mode Charging Dock is right for you!

 DO buy it if:

You want somewhere safe to not only store your tablet, but to keep it permanently charged.

You want the advantage of easy, magnetic charging over the hassle of charging wires.

You use Alexa often and like the convenience of having your device in Show Mode without having to manually adjust it each time.

You don't need to make the device part of an Echo group.

You're looking for a great gift idea for someone with a compatible Fire tablet.

You either plan to leave your Fire in it most of the time, or you're happy to buy a screen protector or additional case that will protect the screen when you're out and about.

DON'T buy it if:

You really just need a stand. If your main aim is, for example, to be able to use Show Mode whilst cooking dinner in the kitchen, a far cheaper stand to prop up your Fire would do just as well. The only differences would be that you would have to turn on Show Mode manually, and you may need to plug in a charger (Show Mode uses the battery up quite quickly).

You need all the features of an Echo Show.

You need the Show's superior audio features (better volume with no need for an external speaker and a more powerful microphone).

You need to integrate your tablet with an Echo group.

Click Here to Buy the Show Mode Charging Dock from Amazon

I ♥ My Fire!
- Christine