Amazon Alexa can now hitch a ride in any car with Echo Auto

By Stephen Edelstein September 21, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One of numerous products announced at Amazon’s massive hardware event is a device called Echo Auto that brings Alexa into your car. Alexa integration is already available in different forms, but this is the first device from Amazon itself that adds the voice assistant to vehicles.

More than 15 global automakers, including General Motors, Hyundai, and Nissan, have added Alexa skills for their cars, according to Amazon. This allows drivers to do things like remotely start their cars, manage charging of an electric car, or access smart home functions from their vehicles. Others, including BMW, Ford, and Toyota/Lexus are integrating Alexa with their vehicles’ infotainment systems. The recently unveiled 2019 Audi e-tron electric SUV will get it as well, and will likely be the first of many Audi models with Alexa integration.

Recommended Videos

Even if cars don’t have the software built in, stand-alone devices like the Muse and ZeroTouch can enable Alexa. Echo Auto is essentially an Amazon-branded version of those devices.

The Echo Auto uses the same eight-microphone array as the Echo Show, which Amazon claims is robust enough to hear voice commands above typical in-car noises like music or air conditioning fans. It uses a driver’s phone for an internet connection, via Bluetooth or Bluetooth LE. Echo Auto uses a new real-time operating system also shown on Amazon’s smart plug and microwave. Amazon promises that it will boot “within just a few seconds” of hitting the ignition. The device itself comes with a dashboard mount and is powered by a MicroUSB plug.

The Alexa Auto software the Echo Auto runs can interface with Apple Maps and Waze for navigation functions. Drivers can use Alexa to get directions or find nearby points of interest. Alexa Auto can also do things like add items to a driver’s shopping list or play audio books via voice command, as well as integrate with smart-home functions.

The Echo Auto will initially be available at an introductory price of $25 for early users, but the price will eventually increase to $50. Alexa Auto functions are currently available by invitation only, and Amazon plans to begin shipping Echo Auto devices to invitees later this year.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Audio / Video

You can now buy an Amazon Echo Studio With Billie Eilish’s face on it

Amazon Echo Studio Billie Eilish Special Edition speaker.

Billie Eilish has managed to amass legions of fans during her short career, and now those who love her music can choose to buy a limited-edition Amazon Echo Studio wireless smart speaker with Eilish's face on it. The Billie Eilish Limited Edition Echo Studio costs $230 ($30 more than the regular Studio) and you can pre-order it right now, with deliveries beginning on October 14.

The special version of Amazon's largest Echo smart speaker is decorated with the cover art from Eilish's recently released second studio album, Happier Than Ever. In addition to Eilish's face being on full display, the speaker comes with a six-month Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. You'll need that if you want to hear the new Eilish tracks in spatial audio via the Studio.

Smart Home

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg helps Amazon launch Echo Dot concepts

amazon launches new fashion forward echo dot concepts midnight kiss 3

Have you looked at your smart home devices and thought, "Gee, I wish some of these were more stylish?" Now you have the chance to add a bit of flair to your smart home thanks to a collaboration between Amazon and the famous fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. This is done through the Build It program, a way for customers to pre-order limited-edition versions of popular accessories. In this case, the device on the table is the Echo Dot.
How Build It works
Build It gives customers a say in what devices are manufactured next. Customers choose from different concepts by pre-ordering the ones they want, often at a special promotional price. After its launch, the concept has a set pre-order goal that must be reached within 30 days. If it meets this goal, Amazon will build it, and those that pre-ordered will be the first to receive the product. If the concept doesn't reach its goal, it won't be produced. Either way, customers aren't charged for the device until it actually ships.

This system means that customers can vote with their preorders without wasting money on a device that may never be built. It's Amazon's version of crowdsourcing style.
Diane von Furstenberg concepts

Wearables

Amazon Echo Frames arrive in blue light and sunglasses forms for summertime

amazon echo frames arrive sunglass blue light form sunglasses lifestyle 2 of 5

The Amazon Echo Frames originally launched in December but came with a somewhat limited series of options. Today, Amazon announced two new models of the Echo Frames: A set of polarized sunglasses and a set of blue-light filtering glasses. The new options come after a lot of customer feedback asking for different options and styles.

The sunglasses themselves are available in two different versions, too. One is a classic set of sunglasses, while the other is a set of blue mirror sunglasses. Both versions are IPX4-rated, which means they are perfect for wearing while working out or walking outside. While they shouldn't be worn while swimming, they can withstand a few splashes of sweat or rain.