Amazon’s customers have already been introduced to echo and its AI voice Alexa. They are aware of the many things the two paired together can do to make your day more comfortable to navigate. Up until now when driving, you had to rely on your smartphone and Google maps to get where you wanted to go. Amazon, the company that never stops amazing has upped the ante once again. Now you can take Alexa with you when you are in the car driving about. What is this new Alexa connected device?
Echo Auto – The First Echo for Your Car
Echo Auto is about the size of a credit card that sits on your car’s dashboard. Now you can bring Alexa with you while driving around on errands, going to the mall, and even for a drive in the country. Amazon has been focusing on getting the attention of the auto industry for some time.
Apple and Google have already acquired some control of automotive dashboard screens with CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon’s approach is to work Alexa into the in-car experience without being a complete touchscreen system. Amazon has lined up Toyota, BMW, Ford and recently Audi to allow Alexa integration to their systems but not every model.
Will Echo Auto Work In My Car?
Echo Auto connects to Bluetooth systems already in place in most cars. Echo Auto uses your existing smartphone plan the Alexa app to make the connection. Echo Auto works through the speakers in your vehicle. Eight microphones provide great in-car acoustics, Echo Auto can hear over the music, A/C, someone talking and so on.
With Amazon striking deals to have Echo Auto pre-installed in some automobile models, this credit card sized device is your way to beat the crowd. With Echo Auto, you can expect the same great Alexa responses in your car as you get at home.
What Can Echo Auto & Alexa Do?
- Your Voice Is In Control: Ask Alexa to play music, make a call, find a pizza parlor, start an audiobook and much more.
- Hands-Free: With states cracking down on distracted driving, your hands are free to drive. Ask Alexa to find a song to play, a business address, call mom, find a podcast, whatever you want, Alexa does the work.
- Alexa The Copilot: Echo Auto has location-based features that help you get to your destination. Ask Alexa, and you will be connected to Google Maps, Apple Maps to take the guesswork out of finding your way.
- “Alexa Call Home:” Echo Auto can connect to your smart home devices, to turn up the heat, turn on the lights, or even open the garage door.
Alex is getting smarter over 50,000 skills and getting more all the time. You can customize Alexa’s abilities by using Alexa Skill Blueprints.
Setting up Amazon Echo Auto is a breeze
- Mount Echo Auto to the dashboard.
- Plug Echo Auto into the accessories plug (cigarette lighter)..
- Set up using Alexa app.
- Ask Alexa and start making the most of your drive.
- Echo Auto is a credit card sized device that mounts to your car’s dashboard and weighs 1.6 oz (45 grams), measures 3.3 in. X 1.9 in. X 0.5 in. (85 mm x 47mm x 13.28 mm).
Amazon is allowing Pre-ordering by invitation only, and Echo Auto sells for $49.99 with the a lower preorder price of $24.99.
If you are an Alexa fan and want the same quality that you have come to expect from Amazon Echo, Echo Auto is right up your alley.
