We have already reviewed Amazon Echo Smart Speakers for home. Now, 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 Amazon Echo Auto 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 of Amazon Echo Auto
First thing we noticed during the Amazon Echo Auto Review is that, 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 that we noticed during the Amazon Echo Auto Review 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 |
Amazon Echo Auto Review: Pros
Excellent Voice Recognition of Amazon Echo Auto:
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 Amazon Echo Auto:
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:
Highlight of the Amazon Echo Auto Review is 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.
Amazon Echo Auto Review: Cons
Still Amazon Echo Auto Requires a Smartphone:
We noticed in Amazon Echo Auto Review that 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Amazon Echo Auto
Does the Echo Auto (2nd Gen) require a smartphone to work?
Yes, the Amazon Echo Auto is not a standalone device. It relies on a connection to your smartphone via the Alexa app and uses your phone’s cellular data for all its functions, including music streaming, navigation, and smart home control. This reliance means it can potentially drain your phone’s battery and data plan.
How does the Echo Auto connect to my car’s stereo system?
The device offers flexible connectivity options. You can connect it to your car’s speakers either wirelessly via Bluetooth or using a physical 3.5mm auxiliary (AUX) cable.
Can the microphone array hear me clearly over loud music or road noise?
Yes. The 2nd Gen model features a powerful five-microphone array that is specifically engineered to filter out road noise, air conditioning, and music, ensuring that Alexa can accurately hear and understand your voice commands even in noisy environments.
Is the Echo Auto useful if my car already has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
While the Echo Auto offers unique Alexa-specific skills (like seamless smart home control from the car), its core functions (music, calls, navigation) may overlap with built-in features like CarPlay or Android Auto. It is most beneficial for older vehicles lacking a modern smart infotainment system.
Can I control my smart home devices while driving?
Yes, one of the key features of the Echo Auto is its smart home integration. You can use voice commands to control your compatible Alexa-connected devices at home, such as turning on lights or adjusting the thermostat, as you approach or leave your house.
Amazon Echo Auto Review: Verdict
Finally, the verdict of Amazon Echo Auto Review. 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.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This Amazon Echo Auto Review contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a product link of Amazon Echo Auto (such as the “View on Amazon” button) and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This compensation helps support our website and allows us to continue providing honest and detailed reviews. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in and that align with the value we aim to bring to our readers. Top Buying Idea is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
And here’s Echo Auto, Amazon’s in-car Alexa gadget, coming later this year (will be invite only to start) pic.twitter.com/hvBzv0Qarj
— Karissa Bell (@karissabe) September 20, 2018
#AmazonEchoAuto #Alexa #SmartCar #CarTech #HandsFree #EchoAuto #ProductReview #Amazon
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