We own just about every echo device that's available in Canada, as well as a few that are not available here. We love Alexa and have more then one device in some rooms.
I had recieved the invite for.the echo auto when it originally started releasing in the US but they would not ship it to Canada. I was waiting for this day for the echo auto to be available. I was waiting it out in case they made a newer version before coming to Canada. (I bought the original echo Show from the US paying a premium from a third party seller because it wasn't available here and a few months later they made the Echo Show 2 and it was available in Canada, I didn't want to chance that it would happen with the Echo Auto)
I Got my echo auto today, set it up immediately which was really simple and straight forward honestly only took about 5 minutes if that.
Went for a drive for about an hour and a half. I tried everything I could think of. I streamed music from both SiriusXM and amazon music. The wife was at home so I had her help and we tried calling, I did drop ins to the house, I did announcements, I had it read and reply to texts I also tried navigation.
My Bluetooth in my 2012 f150 recently went. I'm using the aux cable on an android phone.
Streaming.
Worked well. Sounds good was quick to respond and playback whatever I asked. Throughout the drive, I had 3 errors. All of them where while I was listening to Howard Stern on SiriusXM. I will say that I was constantly going through other features as well example while listening, I'd make a call, or reply to a text. It was usually within a minute after that, that it would say it disconnected, and I'd just tell her again to listen to Howard Stern and it would be right back really quickly. It's possible that I lost my cell signal as I was driving both In the city as well as in the country. Not positive though. Weird thing is that in areas that I normally don't get a cell signal at all, I didn't have the streaming drop. It carried on just fine.
Phone calls
They were great. It was simple to allow it access to my contacts and to just say "Alexa, call Melyssa on cell" which then it told me there is no contact for Melyssa's cell but it will call Melyssa on mobile lol.
Incoming text messages
I was wearing my Samsung watch as well which I normally get my texts to while driving. I got the text to my watch but nothing from the echo auto. I then realized the light bar on the echo was green showing me I had a notification. It doesnt automatically read them out loud. I had to say "alexa, read my txt messages" at that time it read my new messages as well as who they were from and when they were recieved.
Outgoing text message
Simple as well. "Alexa, send a text message to Melyssa" It then confirms " you'd like to send a text message to melyssa correct" yes! I did a few texts, all came out 100% accurate. It reads your txts back to you before you send them which is nice as you know if it heard you correctly or not.
Announcements and drop ins
They both work FROM the echo auto, however the echo auto will not recieve announcements or drop ins. In other words, You CANNOT drop in on the echo auto from the living room but you CAN drop in on the living room from the echo auto. I'm not surprised, as I'm pretty sure that's how the app itself works.
Navigation
It's ok. On my phone it opens Google maps and shows the directions. I do have to unlock and open my phone for that to show up though. As soon as I do the app is shown. There may be a work around for this, I'm doing my research. You can switch to another maps app if you prefer. One negative I noticed instantly, was I asked for the nearest gas station and it told me it was 52kms away and back in the middle of city I had left earlier. there was 15-20 closer gas stations then that. Not happy about that at all, yet when I asked for the nearest restaurant it was accurate.
Extras
Asked about the weather in a few places and it knew exactly where I was at all times even when I passed through a tiny community that probably has a population of 8
I asked for the phone number of a restaurant and wasn't specific at all. It gave me that phone number to the correct one closest to me, however there was no option to call that number. After I asked Alexa to call that restaurant and she told me that it wasn't in my contacts, so the only option is to ask for the number, remember that number and then ask her to dial that number. I guess that's somewhat helpful lol.
Data usage
I used 178mb of data throughout the drive. I was continuously streaming SiriusXM which I have set at a higher quality. Not terrible at all in my opinion.
All in all, I'd say if you don't have Bluetooth, this is an awesone device. The mic is amazing. It never had any issues hearing me. Getting the echo auto was probably a fair bit cheaper then me getting my Bluetooth fixed or possibly even needing my head unit it my truck replaced. Not everyone will need this, but if your ride isn't that smart the echo auto will make it a bit smarter. One thing I really liked is that not once in this hour and a half drive did I feel like I needed to take my eyes off the road. I never had to touch anything other then to open my phone to see that maps app. I'd say 99% of using the echo auto can be done just vocally.
I've ordered some longer cables and some clips so I can do a clean and more permanent install of the device. Will hide all the wires as much as possible. I'm not one to typically get extended warranties but I will recommend if you get it to get the extended warranty if you plan on leaving it 24/7 in your vehicle. Due to the extreme weather we can get in Canada. For the extra $18 you can't go wrong considering it covers the device for 3 years.
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Simple to set up and use
Technical details
Echo Auto
|
Size |
85 mm x 47 mm x 13.28 mm |
|
Weight |
45 grams. Actual size and weight may vary by manufacturing process. |
|
Smartphone plan usage and compatibility |
Echo Auto uses your existing smartphone plan and the Alexa app for connectivity and other features. Carrier charges may apply. Please consult your carrier for information on any fees and limitations that apply to your plan. Echo Auto supports Android 6.0 and iOS 12 or greater. However, please note that the following smartphones are not compatible with Echo Auto. |
|
Connectivity |
Echo Auto connects to most cars that support Bluetooth to play music or that have an auxiliary input. If using Bluetooth, some vehicles do not work well with Echo Auto. Learn more here. If you can't connect devices to your car to play music via Bluetooth or auxiliary cable, then you may be able to connect Echo Auto with an additional accessory like an FM transmitter or cassette tape adapter. |
|
Bluetooth |
Hands-Free Profile (HFP) support for calling, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) support for audio streaming, Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) for voice control of media sessions, Serial Port Profile for Bluetooth connectivity to Android phones and iPod Accessory Protocol for Bluetooth connectivity to iPhones. |
|
Audio |
Eight microphone array. Supports auxiliary audio output. |
|
Processor |
Mediatek MT7697, Intel Dual DSP with Inference Engine |
|
Accessibility Features |
Learn more about Alexa accessibility. |
|
Warranty and Service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year extended warranties will be available for CA customers and sold separately. Use of Echo Auto is subject to the terms found here. |
|
Included in the Box |
Echo Auto, In-Car Power Adapter, Micro-USB cable (1m), 3.5mm auxiliary cable (1m), Air Vent Mount, and Quick Start Guide. |
|
Privacy Features |
Wake word technology, streaming indicator, mute button in the Alexa app, the ability to view and delete your voice recordings, and more. Visit the Alexa Privacy Hub to explore how Alexa and Echo devices are designed to protect your privacy. |
|
Language |
Alexa now speaks both English and French. The language of your Echo Auto will correspond by default to the language of your mobile phone. Not all skills are supported in both English and French. Please refer to the skills store here for more information. Certain services are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages and may require separate subscriptions. |
Just okay from my experience, some things work and some don't
Reviewed in Canada on August 2, 2020
I was super excited for this. The biggest things I wanted to do as I'm driving is adding a note or reminder for myself, sending a WhatsApp message, getting directions or play songs or even play my liked songs on Spotify. Alexa Auto is able to do some of those things but not all.It was easy to setup and is surprisingly very small. I am able to tuck it away neatly in my car's pen holder slot and it fits in there with lots of room to spare. With my setup, it has no issues hearing me as well under most circumstances which is quite impressive so the microphones work very well in my opinion. The Alexa Auto feels like good build quality as well. I like the lights on it which aren't super bright and are modern looking, almost like a Knight Rider style light when you're talking to Alexa Auto even though I know Knight Rider is not modern.It was quite easy to setup in the Alexa Android app, by clicking on the plus icon in the top corner and selecting Alexa Auto as a new device you want to add. It found the Alexa Auto and I was all setup in a couple of minutes.It works great at getting driving directions for me that I ask for and taking me home or to work after I had set my home and work address in the Alexa app.Alexa unfortunately can't send a WhatsApp message and gives a message if I try to send a WhatsApp message saying that skill is not available yet. I hope it will be available one day because that would significantly change my mind on this product as I use WhatsApp a ton.The good news is that I have never had a problem with Alexa hearing me even with the windows rolled all the way down on the city roads. Naturally on the highway it gets very loud with wind noise when the windows are rolled all the way down and Alexa can understandably not hear me sometimes.Alexa is generally good at understanding me but does sometimes misinterpret what I say. With Spotify it's able to play a specific song if I ask it to or songs by a specific artist. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything when I ask Alexa Auto to play songs or play my liked songs which is what I normally do. Not sure why this issue persists.I am contemplating returning this as for me it's a very big deal I can't send WhatsApp messages since I'm an avid WhatsApp user. Also I can't play my liked songs from Spotify via Alexa Auto but I'd like to note that feature works with my Echo Show 5 so it's an Alexa Auto specific issue. Both of these things though can likely be fixed via software and are not an issue for hardware. If you are okay with regular SMS text messaging and not a big Spotify user like me, then this could be a great product for you.
Reviewed in Canada on August 2, 2020
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Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on June 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 2, 2020
It was easy to setup and is surprisingly very small. I am able to tuck it away neatly in my car's pen holder slot and it fits in there with lots of room to spare. With my setup, it has no issues hearing me as well under most circumstances which is quite impressive so the microphones work very well in my opinion. The Alexa Auto feels like good build quality as well. I like the lights on it which aren't super bright and are modern looking, almost like a Knight Rider style light when you're talking to Alexa Auto even though I know Knight Rider is not modern.
It was quite easy to setup in the Alexa Android app, by clicking on the plus icon in the top corner and selecting Alexa Auto as a new device you want to add. It found the Alexa Auto and I was all setup in a couple of minutes.
It works great at getting driving directions for me that I ask for and taking me home or to work after I had set my home and work address in the Alexa app.
Alexa unfortunately can't send a WhatsApp message and gives a message if I try to send a WhatsApp message saying that skill is not available yet. I hope it will be available one day because that would significantly change my mind on this product as I use WhatsApp a ton.
The good news is that I have never had a problem with Alexa hearing me even with the windows rolled all the way down on the city roads. Naturally on the highway it gets very loud with wind noise when the windows are rolled all the way down and Alexa can understandably not hear me sometimes.
Alexa is generally good at understanding me but does sometimes misinterpret what I say. With Spotify it's able to play a specific song if I ask it to or songs by a specific artist. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything when I ask Alexa Auto to play songs or play my liked songs which is what I normally do. Not sure why this issue persists.
I am contemplating returning this as for me it's a very big deal I can't send WhatsApp messages since I'm an avid WhatsApp user. Also I can't play my liked songs from Spotify via Alexa Auto but I'd like to note that feature works with my Echo Show 5 so it's an Alexa Auto specific issue. Both of these things though can likely be fixed via software and are not an issue for hardware. If you are okay with regular SMS text messaging and not a big Spotify user like me, then this could be a great product for you.
Verified Purchase
Just okay from my experience, some things work and some don't
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 2, 2020
I was super excited for this. The biggest things I wanted to do as I'm driving is adding a note or reminder for myself, sending a WhatsApp message, getting directions or play songs or even play my liked songs on Spotify. Alexa Auto is able to do some of those things but not all.Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on August 2, 2020
It was easy to setup and is surprisingly very small. I am able to tuck it away neatly in my car's pen holder slot and it fits in there with lots of room to spare. With my setup, it has no issues hearing me as well under most circumstances which is quite impressive so the microphones work very well in my opinion. The Alexa Auto feels like good build quality as well. I like the lights on it which aren't super bright and are modern looking, almost like a Knight Rider style light when you're talking to Alexa Auto even though I know Knight Rider is not modern.
It was quite easy to setup in the Alexa Android app, by clicking on the plus icon in the top corner and selecting Alexa Auto as a new device you want to add. It found the Alexa Auto and I was all setup in a couple of minutes.
It works great at getting driving directions for me that I ask for and taking me home or to work after I had set my home and work address in the Alexa app.
Alexa unfortunately can't send a WhatsApp message and gives a message if I try to send a WhatsApp message saying that skill is not available yet. I hope it will be available one day because that would significantly change my mind on this product as I use WhatsApp a ton.
The good news is that I have never had a problem with Alexa hearing me even with the windows rolled all the way down on the city roads. Naturally on the highway it gets very loud with wind noise when the windows are rolled all the way down and Alexa can understandably not hear me sometimes.
Alexa is generally good at understanding me but does sometimes misinterpret what I say. With Spotify it's able to play a specific song if I ask it to or songs by a specific artist. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything when I ask Alexa Auto to play songs or play my liked songs which is what I normally do. Not sure why this issue persists.
I am contemplating returning this as for me it's a very big deal I can't send WhatsApp messages since I'm an avid WhatsApp user. Also I can't play my liked songs from Spotify via Alexa Auto but I'd like to note that feature works with my Echo Show 5 so it's an Alexa Auto specific issue. Both of these things though can likely be fixed via software and are not an issue for hardware. If you are okay with regular SMS text messaging and not a big Spotify user like me, then this could be a great product for you.
Images in this review
