All you need is an Echo Auto
The $50 Echo Auto is the easiest way to access Alexa hands-free while you’re driving around. It’s about the size of a credit card and sits right on your dashboard.
With Echo Auto, you can do just about everything you do with your Echos at home.
I love the ability to ask Alexa to turn off my smart lights (if I forget!), reorder my favorite mint tea, set reminders, pick up an audiobook where I left off — and even play Alexa games! — while I’m driving.
Echo Auto can also help you navigate to places you need on the road.
She can help you find the nearest gas station or ice cream shop. Just say “Alexa, find the nearest ice cream shop,” and she’ll give you the names of the three nearest — along with the distance away — and ask you which one you’d like directions to reach.
Plus, it’s very easy to install.
You just have to plug it into your car’s USB port or cigarette lighter and follow a few simple prompts in the Alexa app.
4 pro tips to maximize your Echo Auto experience
- You need to have a Bluetooth-enabled car audio system. The Echo Auto doesn’t have a speaker of its own, so it will connect to the car audio system via your smartphone’s Bluetooth.
- Set location access to “always” for the Alexa app in your phone’s Settings. That will allow Alexa to tell you where the nearest gas station or ice cream shop is.
- Make sure that you’ve allowed notifications in the Settings on your smartphone so you can get one-tap directions to the places you picked.
- Set up your Home location in the Alexa app. Tap “More” > “Settings” > “Your Locations” to enter it — that way, you’ll be able to easily ask for directions home without having to say your address.