In an age where cars are becoming smarter, many of us still drive vehicles that lack the high-tech features of a modern infotainment system. That’s where the newest Amazon Echo Auto comes in. The 2nd generation model promises to transform any car into a smart car, bringing the power of Alexa, the voice assistant you know and love from home, right to your dashboard. But does this hands-free driving accessory live up to the hype?
This product review will dive into the features, pros, and cons of the Amazon Echo Auto (2nd Gen), helping you decide if this Alexa-enabled device is the right upgrade for your daily commute.
Key Features
The Amazon Echo Auto (2nd Gen) is a compact, two-piece device designed to be discreetly placed in your car. It consists of a small microphone module and a separate power unit, connected by a short cable.
Hands-Free Control:
The core purpose of the Echo Auto is to provide a truly hands-free experience. A five-microphone array is specifically engineered to hear you over road noise, air conditioning, and music, ensuring your commands are understood with ease.
Music and Audio Streaming:
As a product designed for the road, music is a primary feature. You can ask Alexa to play songs, playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks from popular services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more.
Communication on the Go:
Stay connected without touching your phone. Use voice commands to make calls, send and reply to text messages, or even drop in on other Echo devices at home.
Smart Home Integration:
One of the most unique features is the ability to control your smart home devices from the car. Imagine saying, “Alexa, turn on the porch lights,” as you pull into your driveway.
Emergency Assistance:
For added peace of mind, the device can connect you to Amazon Roadside Assistance with a simple voice command, a pay-as-you-go service for flat tires or lockouts.
Flexible Setup:
The newest Echo Auto offers a versatile setup. It connects to your car’s speakers via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm auxiliary cable. It also comes with an adhesive magnetic mount, making it easy to place the microphone unit on your dash.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 | Amazon Echo Auto (newest model), Add Alexa to your car | 4.2 (5k) | View on Amazon |
The Pros: Why It’s a Great Upgrade
Excellent Voice Recognition:
The five-microphone array is a significant strength. Reviews consistently praise its ability to pick up voice commands accurately, even in noisy environments.
Seamless Alexa Integration:
If you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem with other Echo devices at home, this is a no-brainer. It feels like a natural extension of your smart home, providing a consistent experience from house to car.
Easy to Use:
The setup is quick and straightforward, and the hands-free operation makes tasks like changing music or getting directions feel intuitive and safe.
Compact and Discreet Design:
The slim, two-piece design is a major improvement over the original model. It blends in well with most car interiors, avoiding the clunky look of older dash-mounted gadgets.
Affordable:
At a reasonable price point, the Echo Auto (2nd Gen) is a cost-effective way to add modern voice-controlled features to an older vehicle.
The Cons: What Could Be Better?
Still Requires a Smartphone:
The Echo Auto isn’t a standalone device; it relies entirely on your phone’s cellular data and the Alexa app to function. This can drain your phone’s battery and data plan.
Functionality Overlap:
For users with newer cars that already have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Echo Auto’s features may feel redundant. While it offers unique Alexa skills, the core functionality (navigation, music) is already covered.
Occasional Connectivity Issues:
Some users report occasional hiccups with Bluetooth connections, requiring them to restart the app or the device to reconnect.
Dependence on the Amazon Ecosystem:
While a “pro” for some, it’s a “con” for others. To get the most out of the device, you’ll need to use Amazon’s services (e.g., Amazon Music, Alexa lists), and integrating with third-party apps like Spotify or Google Maps can sometimes be clunky.
Final Verdict
The Amazon Echo Auto (2nd Gen) is an excellent product for a specific consumer: the driver with an older car who wants an affordable, hands-free smart assistant and is already invested in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem. Its superb voice recognition and seamless smart home integration make it a great addition to your commute.
However, if your vehicle is already equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or if you prefer a different voice assistant, you may find that the Echo Auto’s functionality overlaps with what you already have. For those looking to upgrade an older car and enhance their hands-free driving experience, the Echo Auto is a smart, effective, and well-designed choice.
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