Amazon’s Echo Auto is a compact device that brings Alexa’s capabilities into your car, allowing you to access Amazon’s ecosystem of Alexa skills and features for a price of under $55. The second-generation Echo Auto has been redesigned to be smaller and more manageable, while still offering all the features of its predecessor.
During my testing of the Echo Auto in various cars, I found that there is a clear demand for a smart device like this in the car, although it may not be suitable for everyone.
The new Echo Auto design consists of two parts. The “listening” section holds five microphones and includes the iconic indicator light that lets you know when Alexa has been triggered. It also features two buttons, one for calling on Alexa without using the wake word, and another to turn off the microphone. The microphone section is connected to a speaker through a cable, with the speaker also having a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting to your car’s aux input or using Bluetooth to connect to your car’s speakers.
I particularly liked the design of the Echo Auto, with the speaker placed closer to the power source and the microphone at the other end of the cable. The cloth covering adds a touch of sophistication compared to the original plastic design.
Setting up the Echo Auto is a simple process. It comes with two magnetic mounts that can be attached to your car’s dash or air vent. The device can be powered by either a 12V adapter or a car’s USB port. However, it requires a smartphone with the Alexa app installed and connected to provide the data connection for interactions.
Once installed and connected to your smartphone, you can use Echo Auto to make calls, send messages, and perform various Alexa commands using voice control. The device can be controlled through the Alexa app’s Auto Mode, which limits the on-screen content to prevent distractions while driving.
In terms of performance, I found that the Echo Auto was able to recognize commands even in a noisy car environment with the AC turned on. However, I often had to speak louder than expected to ensure the device heard my commands clearly. Using the device in a car without modern features like Bluetooth or an aux-in port meant I had to rely on my phone’s speakers for audio, which could be improved by using an adapter to connect to the car’s speakers.
Overall, the Echo Auto is a great option for adding smart features to older vehicles that lack connectivity options. However, for cars with Android Auto or CarPlay, the usefulness of the Echo Auto may be limited.