Shane
Short drive or an epic road trip, Alexa is good to go with you on the road with Amazon’s newest Echo Auto.
Back in 2020 Amazon released the first version of their Echo Auto. Enabling intuitive and entertaining A.I. in your car.
While this new version is fundamentally the same, the design has changed, for the better.
First up there’s a few bits in the box.
The main processing unit, cabling, 3.5mm AUX cable (incase your vehicle does not have bluetooth capabilities) and a charger adaptor with both USB-A and USB-C options.
The main Echo Auto unit has now separated the microphone, now cabled and placeable almost anywhere.
This is to improve voice detection, from the first model, as in a vehicle your voice needs to compete with road noise, passengers, rocking out to your fav playlist and more.
Until receiving the new model, I’ve had the first model in my car since first receiving it three years ago.
Doing a comparison of the two (old vs. new) having the microphone separated from the processing unit and mountable closer to where your voice maybe directed was an excellent decision.
At times I’d see myself yelling at Alexa to disarm my home smart security as I pulled in to the driveway, or out on the open road voice commanding / shuffling through Spotify or Apple Music playlists.
The new Echo Auto is a vast improvement when it comes to voice detection. No need to raise that vocal volume. Alexa can hear correctly over environmental noises and now, to other drivers on the road, it only looks as though I’m talking to myself in the car, as opposed to yelling at myself.
So how does it all work?
First up you’ll need the Alexa app for Android or iOS.
Plug the Echo Auto in to your car via USB-A (use the provided adaptor if you need), then on the app ‘Add Device’.
The app will sync Alexa to your phone. So no, Echo Auto is not independently autonomous, it does still need to pair with your smartphone.
Cable management can be a thing, so make sure you set it up where it’s not going to obstruct from driving controls. Safety first.
The new Amazon Echo Auto is the ultimate smart assistant for your vehicle. Improved detection over the first model and if you have other smart devices in your home you can sync these up with Alexa to control on the road and even teach Alexa new skills for schedules.
Coming home late from work? No worries, ask Alexa to turn on the lights at home. Have a smart garage door, Alexa can sort that too.
Alexa is prepped and ready to accompany you on your trips, and she won’t argue over the music choice either. Amazon Echo Auto is the best smart co-pilot to have with you on the go.
