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With the introduction of the brand-new Echo Auto, the capabilities of Alexa while you’re driving have just been upgraded. This convenient device is powered by a USB port and brings Amazon’s voice assistant to any vehicle, allowing for hands-free calling and messaging, navigation, and other uses. The second generation of the Echo Auto comes with a number of enhancements, including an extra mounting option, new microphones that are able to pick up your voice more clearly, and a fast car charger that is able to charge your phone quickly via USB-C. You will be able to determine whether or not it is worthwhile to bring Alexa to your vehicle in the first place and whether or not you should upgrade from the previous version by reading our evaluation of the Echo Auto (2nd Gen).
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen) Specifications
With the introduction of the brand-new Echo Auto, the capabilities of Alexa while you’re driving have just been upgraded. This convenient device is powered by a USB port and brings Amazon’s voice assistant to any vehicle, allowing for hands-free calling and messaging, navigation, and other uses.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Works with most vehicles |
| Connectivity | Connects to the car’s audio system via Bluetooth or AUX cable |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa built-in |
| Music and Audio | Stream music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more |
| Navigation | Get directions, traffic updates, and points of interest |
| Hands-Free Calling | Make and receive calls with voice commands |
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen): Design
Alexa has quickly evolved into one of the most knowledgeable and useful digital assistants now available. She can now help you locate information on the internet, control gadgets in your smart home, and more. Alexa, on the other hand, is less useful once you leave the confines of your home in comparison to other digital assistants, such as Google Assistant and Siri, which are easily accessible because to the native smartphone compatibility they offer.
Amazon, on the other hand, is working to change that by concentrating on automobiles. The Amazon Echo Auto was introduced for the first time in 2019, and it has now been updated with a brand-new look as part of this year’s product cycle. Since 2019, Alexa has also improved to the point that it is now better than it was in 2019. However, the Echo Auto has its own set of problems to solve. You can buy this Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen) from its official website
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen): Setup
The Echo Auto (2nd Gen) comes packaged with everything you need to get the device up and running as well as get started using it right away. We elected to use the vent mount rather than the new adhesive one because the older model was already installed in my vehicle. This was done in the hopes that it would prevent the device from becoming detached while we were driving.
In the event that the Echo Auto topples over or if you want to reposition it, Amazon does provide you with an additional piece of tape. We decided to utilize a USB extension cable because the USB cable that was included with the speaker module was not very lengthy. This allowed us to place the speaker module in a horizontal position on top of my centre console. Even though we haven’t experienced any issues so far with this configuration, we do wish that the USB cable that comes with the new Echo Auto could be removed so that it was longer, especially considering that it is permanently attached.
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen): Performance
One of the main draws of the first Echo Auto was its integration with Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa, and the updated model features an even more refined version of Alexa. From what we’ve seen, the Echo Auto (2nd Gen) has a considerably quicker response time, and the upgraded mics do a much better job of picking up my voice. Asking Alexa, “What’s 2 + 2?” while zooming down the highway at 70 miles per hour with the windows down is just one example. She always let me know.
You can use it to set timers, alarms, and reminders, get the weather, hear a joke, or play an audio game, just like you can with an Echo Dot or any other smart speaker that works with Alexa. If you’re travelling with kids or just need a distraction while delayed in traffic, the audio games and jokes could come in handy.
Price and availability
The brand-new Echo Auto may be preordered starting on December 7 for $54.99, and shipments will begin the following week. An Echo Auto (2nd Gen), sticky car mount, auxiliary wire, and quick car charger are included in this package for this pricing. For an additional $62.98 you may have the new Echo Auto with a vent mount and all the other accessories mentioned above.
Final Words
The age of your vehicle is a major factor that determines whether or not you should install the new Echo Auto in your motor vehicle. If you drive an older car that does not have an infotainment system or if your car does not have Bluetooth, then the Echo Auto is a great option for you to consider. On the other hand, if your vehicle is compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you might not require the Echo Auto after all. However, if you’re used to using Alexa around the house and want to be able to use your preferred virtual assistant when you’re away from home, then it might be worth it for you to make the investment.
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd gen) review: The good and The bad
The Amazon Echo Auto, now in its second version, is a teeny-tiny device that allows you to bring the power of Alexa inside your vehicle.
The Good
- Sleek, more compact design
- Multiple mounting options
The Bad
- Non-removable cable
Questions and Answers
As we’ve already said, the Echo Show 8 can play news and movies, get traffic updates, make voice and video calls, and handle smart home devices like cameras and lights. If you have smart lighting, for example, you can tell Alexa to turn the lights on, off, up, or down.
Echo Auto is made to let Alexa do things like play music, make calls, answer text messages, and more without having to use your hands. It can be used in cars that don’t have a voice helper built in.