Echo Auto (2nd Gen, 2022): Alexa on the Go
Amazon’s Echo Auto (2nd Gen) brings the convenience of Alexa to your vehicle, seamlessly integrating smart voice control into your daily commute. With a sleeker design and improved features, the 2022 release promises an enhanced driving experience without requiring an upgrade to a high-end, voice-enabled car. But is it really the co-pilot you’ve been waiting for?
Design and Setup
The second-generation Echo Auto has undergone a significant design revamp, making it slimmer and more compact. This small footprint allows for easy placement on your dashboard, and it won’t clutter your interior. Equipped with a five-microphone array, the device is capable of detecting your voice commands even over background noise like music, air conditioning, or road traffic.
Mounting the Echo Auto is straightforward thanks to the included adhesive mount, though it’s recommended to avoid soft surfaces like leather or textured plastic for a secure fit. The setup process is as simple as pairing it with the Alexa app on your phone, using your existing data plan, and connecting it to your car’s audio system via Bluetooth or an Aux input.
Entertainment at Your Command
With Echo Auto as your travel companion, entertainment is just a voice command away. You can stream your favorite playlists and podcasts from services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, or SiriusXM. Want to catch up on the news or dive into an Audible book? Just ask. The addition of Amazon Amp radio stations further extends your audio options, allowing for an eclectic mix of live radio and curated shows to keep you entertained on long drives.
Echo Auto’s Follow Me Music feature is particularly useful, allowing seamless transitions from home listening to your car’s audio system, so you can pick up right where you left off.
Enhanced Connectivity
One of the Echo Auto’s strengths is how it simplifies hands-free calling and messaging while you’re on the road. Alexa’s VIP Filter allows you to prioritize notifications, only receiving texts or updates from selected contacts, cutting down on distractions. This feature helps maintain focus on driving, while still keeping you connected to important communications.
For those with Alexa-enabled smart home devices, Echo Auto offers another layer of convenience. You can adjust your home’s thermostat, turn off the lights, or check whether the front door is locked, all while cruising down the highway. The integration between car and home turns Echo Auto into an indispensable tool for managing your day-to-day tasks even while you’re out and about.
5.0 out of 5 stars. Upgraded for sure!!! Updated!!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2022
UPDATE I have now installed this in 2 different cars. The first pics are from a C7 Corvette, and the 2nd pics are from a 2005 Chevrolet SSR. With the 2nd one, I ran into the short cord problems it was easily fixed with an extension cable see pics. I like where I mounted the 2nd one in front of the steering wheel. It looks great and has no problems hearing me at 75 mph with the top down. comparing the new model to the old one, I will say it is a nice upgrade and was worth the money, even in aesthetics. I never had a problem with the old one hearing me, but the new one sure has better responsiveness and a much more modern design that blends into the car better. I have had the original Echo Auto since it came out in all my vehicles. I love the Alexa products!
The new Echo Auto is for sure a redesign and upgrade. I read another review that said the USB cable that plugs in is too short. I will admit that’s true in this install. It didn’t cause me any issues because of where my accessory plug-in was located. I ordered multiple of these to upgrade multiple vehicles. If I run into that issue, it’s an easy fix with a USB extension. They are like six bucks each. I will put a link at the bottom for a 3.0 USB 2-pack of 6ft extension cables for 12 bucks. As far as how this upgraded model performs, Alexa heard me with my stereo at almost max volume. She was very responsive. I have yet to test it with convertible down. I will update you when I do. I have high hopes it will work well as this has more microphones, and the old one worked great. As far as aesthetics go, this looks way better than the old one way more compact, and has a much more modern design because of the much more compact design; I was able to have many more mounting options, as you can see in my pics of the original one I didn’t have many options. I think also, with how compact it is and being able to mount it higher, she will hear me much better. I also love that the plug with it has USB C to USB C fast charging. If you don’t have an extra USB C to USB C cable, you will also want to order one of these. If I had any suggestions for the manufacturer, it would be to include a USB extension cable.
Most importantly, with my other Alexa devices, I can rename her to respond to other names. The ECHO auto only responds to the keyword ALEXA. How odd is it that you named this device ECHO auto, but yet she doesn’t respond to that keyword? I much prefer that over the ALEXA word.
New Echo Auto Revealed
CNET Highlights
During a September 2022 event, Amazon introduced an updated Echo Auto with a slimmer design and the ability to calll roadside assistance.
HANDS-FREE ALEXA ACCESSORY – Slim design that’s easy to place in your car and 5-mic built-in so Alexa can hear you over music, A/C, or road noise. Includes a fast car charger to charge your phone on the go.
LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC – Ask Alexa to stream playlists from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and more, or listen live to radio stations. Use Follow Me Music to resume media playback.
CALL AND MESSAGE WITH YOUR VOICE – Use your voice to make calls, reply to text messages, drop in on Alexa-enabled devices in your home, or broadcast announcements.
GET YOUR FAVORITE ENTERTAINMENT HANDS-FREE – Binge a hot new podcast, catch up on the news or listen to best-selling Audible books.
ALEXA CAN HELP WITH AMAZON ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE – Say, “Alexa, call Roadside Assistance,” and you’ll be connected to an agent who can assess the situation and request pay-as-you-go services as needed.
CONTROL YOUR SMART HOME FROM THE ROAD – Ask Alexa to set the thermostat, turn off the lights, check if your front door is locked, and more while you’re away from home.
DESIGNED TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY – Built with multiple layers of privacy controls, including a mic-off button and light indicator.
New Echo Auto Revealed
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