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Echo Auto and Other Echo Devices Get Big Updates and More

Slimmer design, increased voice controls, and much more

By Lawrence Bonk Lawrence Bonk News Reporter Florida State University Lawrence Bonk is a tech news reporter for Lifewire, specializing in gaming, AI, VR, and consumer tech, including iOS, macOS, wearables, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on September 28, 2022 01:51PM EDT Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming It has been four years since Amazon refreshed the popular Echo Auto, but today’s upgrade may have been worth the wait. The new Echo Auto is filled with features to finally deliver on the promise of turning a regular car into a smart car without having to pony up for a brand-new vehicle. The new model is much slimmer than its predecessor, with a redesigned backing film to allow for a sturdier placement, but that’s only the beginning. Amazon This refresh includes five separate microphones, so you can put it just about anywhere in the interior, and Alexa will still hear you call for assistance, even with ample road noise. Once installed, you have access to the whole Alexa experience. You can use it to ask for emergency roadside assistance, play music, place hands-free calls, navigate to destinations, or even enquire about the definition of 'persnickety.' There is also a new Follow Me function that automatically switches any audio you were playing in your home to your car speakers as you get in. "Ambient technology is at its best in environments where people are focused on other tasks, and nowhere is that more important than in the car," Heather Zorn, Amazon's vice president for Alexa, said during today's product launch event. "Voice can minimize distractions and help you keep your eyes on the road so you can focus on the fun of driving." Amazon The new Echo Auto costs $55, which could pay for itself the first time you run out of gas and need to call for a tow truck. It officially releases later this year. In addition to the Echo Auto, Amazon also announced upgrades to the Echo Dot, the Echo Studio, and the Echo Dot Kids Editio, all with improved speakers and some slight cosmetic upgrades. The new Echo Dot with Clock also comes with an enhanced display that can show information beyond the time, such as the artist you are listening to. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect Your Android Phone to Alexa How to Fix It When Alexa says the Echo is Offline How to Get Amazon Alexa in Your Car How to Put an Echo Dot in Setup Mode The Alexa Echo Device Comparison Chart What Android Auto Is and How to Use It How to Use Alexa to Transfer Music Between Echo Devices Android Auto vs Alexa Auto Mode: What's the Difference? How to Fix It When Your Alexa Alarm Isn’t Going Off Echo Sub Review: An Affordable Subwoofer for Compatible Echo Devices Fix Alexa's Having Trouble Understanding Right Now Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Review: Everything Alexa has to offer in a tiny package How to Reset Alexa on Echo Devices How to Connect Alexa to Your Computer How to Set Alexa Parental Controls How to Fix Alexa Multi-Room Audio Not Working or Unreachable Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies