Echo auto?

I wound up with a free Echo auto device, which advertises that it “brings Alexa to your vehicle”. Before I go through the hassle of installing this contraption, can anybody weigh in on what it can do for me that Siri on my iPhone (already voice activated in my car) can’t?

I’m debating just selling or using it as an xmas gift if it doesn’t really give me any advantage over Siri/iPhone. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I have not found a single compelling reason to use one. It’s literally just streaming data through your phone, to play content and access calendar/reminders, that are already on your phone...

 

My thoughts exactly. No wonder it was free. Oh well, looks like that one family member nobody likes is getting it for Xmas.

 

I like that you can change alexas name to "computer". Much better than saying "ok google" or "hey siri".
Otherwise, alexa does nothing for driving unless your setup with Amazon music already. The only thing it does in my house is turn on and off a single lamp or play radio for the dogs.

 

That's mean.

 

Resurrecting a month old thread here...
I am going to post a video later about how well Alexa Auto works but I love it. Got it as an xmas gift. Wired it into center console usb port and tucked it away so it's not overly visible.
Navigation is seamless (uses google maps and opens it on my phone).
Music control is seamless (xm, iheartradio, Amazon music, etc).
Home control is easy (Alexa, turn on driveway lights, Alexa, open garage door).
Set reminders. Ask questions.

Granted, I have 10 echos and 3 googles at my house.

 

10 and 3. I'm fairly sure, Amazon and Google are quite informed.

 

I'm sure of it. Fortunately, I have nothing to hide.

 

I have it. I don't use it. It's installed, a couple of time I've asked about weather and try turning to a different type of music. I usually have to repeat myself especially since the truck is loud. Realistically, it's worthless.

 

Agreed. I received one for Christmas from a relative. I just installed it tonight. (2018 Tacoma) Setup was easy, operation seamless. If you use Amazon Smart Speakers in the house regularly (Music is never NOT playing on mine) then you'll love it. It literally does what it says..it bring Alexa into your car. Play songs (Pandora, iHeart, GooglePlay), launch maps, call people. I should never have to look at my phone again while driving. If you're being honest, we all do it. Easily worth the cost (free in my case). My hesitation for installing it was that I HATE anything in my vehicles. I don't want to see cords, trash, bottles, cables...nothing. As soon as I opened it I saw too many cords and got discouraged. For whatever reason, I decided today was a day to investigate further. I plugged it into the console cigarette lighter thingy, wrapped the cord around the device, zip tied it, and closed the lid. It works perfectly and I cant even see it.

 

Glad you like it. I plugged mine into the usb port inside the center console (if you have one). If you do, the echo can be mounted just below the latch on the center console and is virtually out of sight. Even if you look at it, you won't notice it. And you don't see any wires. I'll snap a picture this evening and post it here.

 

I put it IN the console. Shut the lid. It still works fine. I thought about mounting it exactly where you did with some mirror mount tape. But when I saw it working in the console, even better.

 

Which garage door setup did you use?

 

I have an Echo Auto - It works great - Does exactly what an Echo Dot does! Only issue now I have a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD and there is NO Pin only USB Connections. So Now I'm trying to figure out how to reconnect. Any idea if a Single Cable with USB on one end and the Pin Connection on the other end will work?