Amazon Tips Slimmed-Down (and More Expensive) Echo Auto
Amazon today revealed a new version of the Echo Auto, which hasn't seen an upgrade since it first launched in 2018. The company has made some key enhancements, as well as raised the price.
The new Echo Auto has a slimmer, vertically oriented design and a new adhesive mount, which allows for more flexible placement inside the car. The previous version included a clip-on mount for air vents, which did not work on all vent shapes.
That smaller form factor means fewer microphones (five versus eight on the first-gen Echo Auto), but Amazon says it improved voice-detection capabilities so the Echo Auto can "hear your requests over music, the air conditioner, and road noise." It connects to a car's speakers via Bluetooth or direct connection via USB on cars that don't support(Opens in a new window) Bluetooth with Echo Auto.
At a Wednesday press event, Amazon touted its partnership with BMW, which announced(Opens in a new window) that its next-generation BMW voice assistant will be built on Alexa technology. Customers will be able to use the BMW voice assistant and Alexa individually or together.
Amazon also said Echo Auto can alert you if it notices you left the house without securing smart locks; Alexa will lock them remotely on command. It can also contact roadside assistance.
For Whole Foods shoppers, Echo Auto can notify you about curbside pick-up orders. Say, "Alexa, check into Whole Foods," and Alexa will deliver instructions on where to park and how to notify employees that you've arrived at the Amazon-owned grocery store.
"We believe that going forward, cars will be defined more by their software than their motors," Amazon says.
Amazon did not mention when the upgraded Echo Auto will be available, but it'll set you back
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