Amazon brings Alexa to the car with new Echo Auto

Amazon has revealed that its Echo Auto device is now available in the UK after first being made available in America in 2018.

The new system brings an easy way of installing Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant system into a car, utilising a vehicle’s 12v power outlet and connecting through the stereo via either a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth.

It features a custom-designed eight-microphone setup which has been specifically designed to deal with noisy car cabins – enabling Alexa to ‘hear’ commands over music, air conditioning and usual road noise.

It connects and runs via the Alexa app on a smartphone – and will require a phone signal as a result – and uses the phone’s existing data plan. It does, however, give users the ability to listen to the news, set reminders and even control smart home devices all without having to look away from the road ahead. It’s priced at £49.99.

Eric Saarnio, vice president of Amazon Devices EU, said: “Customers tell us they want to take Alexa with them everywhere they go. We’re delighted to offer them an easy way to add Alexa to the car they already own.

“With Echo Auto, customers can now enjoy the convenience of Alexa on the road, giving them the ability to play music, make calls, continue their audiobook, play games, manage their reminders and more – all just by using their voice.”