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Amazon’s Alexa Goes Mobile with New Echo Auto Device

On Thursday, Amazon announced a new version of its Echo devices, meant to further strengthen the comapny's hold on the smart home / smart office market.
Amazon Echo Auto takes Alexa on the road 7 photos
Photo: Amazon
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Among the new devices a new one, meant specifically for cars, was announced as Alexa's first official mobile medium. Called Echo Auto, the device will be available only by invitation for $24.99.

Currently, the Alexa assistant is not available in cars through a dedicated device. Those addicted to the tech used for their needs either the Alexa app installed on their smartphones or via the integrated service provided by a very limited number of car manufacturers.

Making an Echo device for cars is a bit more challenging than creating one for homes, because of the increased noise level generated by a moving vehicle.

Amazon says that thanks to the eight-microphone array specially designed for in-car acoustics, the device will have no trouble hearing the one talking to it even over music, A/C, and road noise.

The Echo Auto is powered by the car’s 12V power outlet or USB port and connects to the stereo system through a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth connection.

For Alexa to work on the new Echo, the smartphone app is still needed, as the system uses the existing phone plan to access music, navigation or calling.

“We want you to have access to Alexa everywhere—in your kitchen, in your living room, in your office, and now in your car or truck,” said in a statement Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa.

“Today, we’re excited to expand the number of ways that customers can add Alexa to their homes and their vehicles, so they can use Alexa to make their lives more convenient and easy—whether it’s asking for the traffic on your drive home, checking your email in the morning, or simply saying ‘Alexa, good night’ to turn off your lights and lock your door.”

The Echo Auto will start shipping later this year.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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