Amazon unveiled the second generation of the Echo Auto, a smaller, more flexible device designed to expand the e-commerce giant’s reach by bringing its Alexa voice assistant into more vehicles, local time said.
First available in 2018, Echo Auto connects to the vehicle’s infotainment system to bring the Alexa assistant into the vehicle. Drivers can plug the device into the vehicle’s auxiliary port or through their smartphone’s Bluetooth connection and Alexa app.
The most notable changes to the $54.99 second-generation version are its smaller size and sleeker shape and a new adhesive mount that gives drivers some flexibility in places they may want to secure the device.
According to Amazon, Echo Auto now has five microphones, which ensures that the driver’s requests can be heard even over typical background road noise or even music. It also comes with a fast charging 3.0 certified adapter, which in turn can be used to quickly charge the phone.
In terms of features, Amazon has added roadside assistance to Alexa, which means it will also come to Echo Auto, where users can say “Alexa, call roadside assistance” to connect with an agent who will request help on behalf of a driver or passenger to solve problems like running out of gas or a flat tire.
Users can also turn their smartphones into driver-friendly displays with a feature called “Auto Mode,” which can be launched through the Alexa app on the smartphone. auto mode isn’t new – it was first mentioned two years ago – but it’s there for a reason.
Amazon wants to offer an alternative for owners of older cars who lack the high resolution and large displays common to newer models. It’s a sign that Amazon is keen to capture the entire automotive market, not just Alexa as an embedded technology in cars through automaker partnerships.
