Explaining Amazon's in-vehicle device "Echo Auto"! "Alexa" even in the car

Among the Echo device group announced by Amazon on September 21, 2019, we will introduce this device again focusing on the in-vehicle "Echo Auto".

Automakers are aggressive in introducing voice assistants

Before introducing Echo Auto, let's review the in-vehicle trends of voice assistants. Automakers such as BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant, Mercedes-Benz's MBUX, AUDI's Alexa, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi's Google Assistant, and Peugeot Citroen's Houdify are accelerating their move to install voice assistants. In addition to the cases mentioned here, it is almost the default route that new cars to be bought in the future will be equipped with an assistant unique to the automobile manufacturer, Google Assitant, Alexa, Houdify, etc. Depending on the manufacturer and model, it seems natural to have multiple assistants. However, these are basically said to be installed in new cars purchased in the future, and past cars do not support them.

The savior to old cars is an in-vehicle device that can be retrofitted

There is also a method of forcibly using the Amazon Echo Dot, which is not premised on in-vehicle use, but the process up to in-vehicle use is troublesome, and it is undeniable that it is inconvenient compared to dedicated devices. In that respect, Roav VIVA ($ 50), Garmin Speak ($ ​​149.99), Muse ($ 55), etc., which were developed as in-vehicle devices, are not bad in terms of installation and power supply method, assuming in-vehicle use. What is worrisome is the microphone performance. Entry models such as the Amazon Echo Dot also have an array configuration with 7 microphones, but there are situations where the in-vehicle device has at most 2 microphones and the listening ability is not perfect. There was also a slightly lonely situation in the car, which was noisier than in the home.

Amazon genuine "Echo Auto", in-vehicle device is now available!

Meanwhile, this "Echo Auto" was announced. It is a small device installed on the dashboard in the car, and it does not function by itself, but is a type that is used by connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth. It functions as an in-vehicle Echo device by combining the communication line of a smartphone and GPS information. The advantage is that you can use the Echo hands-free as an in-vehicle device while driving. Not only music playback, but news, weather forecasts, audiobook playback, making phone calls, using skills, etc. can be used in general to ask Alexa in the car. In-vehicle features include searching for the nearest gas station and instructing your smartphone to show directions in conjunction with a supported map app such as Google Maps / Apple Maps / Waze. You can also take advantage of the recently implemented location-based Alexa routines to customize your garage by turning it on. The Echo Auto itself has a USB port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The power supply is typical of an in-vehicle device that connects a USB port to a cigar socket. The Echo Auto doesn't have built-in speakers, so you'll need a car with a car audio or infotainment system that allows external audio input. Use the Echo Auto by connecting it to the in-vehicle audio via a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth. The problem is cars that don't have a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth-enabled audio. In this case, it is possible to deal with it by sending the sound to the in-vehicle radio via an FM transceiver, but it may be a little noisy. Echo Auto has 8 microphones on the top. It is said that this microphone array can hear the voice of the speaker even in an environment where there is noise peculiar to the inside of the car and the sound of the car audio. This is probably the device's biggest competitive advantage. In addition, the front of the main unit is equipped with a blue LED bar that is typical of Alexa, so it can be said that Alexa users will not feel uncomfortable. It will be available in the US later this year and is currently only available to invitees. The price is usually $ 49.99, but it's currently $ 24.99 for invitees. I hope this device will be released in Japan. Source: Amazon

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