Pre-order Amazon Echo Auto For $24.99 (50% Off)

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• I simply do not see any real use for these yell-at-em devices. I've had an Amazon Echo device for several weeks. I'm returning it today. It does nothing better than any of the other devices I have within arms' length - those other devices do it all better: play me some music, show me some photos, display the weather forecast. That's about all I could find to do on my Echo device. And I can get music, and photo slide show, etc, done better on all my other devices without them snooping on me 24/7.

  I guess I'm just not their target demographic. I feel like life has become that new Progressive Insurance commercial ("what has happened to my son?") - that commercial is more spot-on every day. Jeez, people are idiots...

  • It's definitely not for everyone, but I use it the most for controlling smarthome stuff.

• Amazon should NOT keep raising membership fee. we are already buying all these spy junks, and providing free data to them.

• I don't understand the point of this device. Why can't an app simply take its place? It uses your phone to talk to Alexa backend, and it relies on your car audio. Seems the middle man device is unnecessary. Unless perhaps this is the only way to get Alexa into a car to compete with the existing OK Google/Hey Siri responses built into Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Both of which are more useful with that crazy thing called A DISPLAY.

  • I agree. It's replicating what your smartphone can already do for most people.

  • Yes, but even the integration of Alexa SDK with newer FORD, BMW, Toyota's and Lexus displays - the backend processing and data is still all on your smartphone. (I imagine it's the same for this product as well ).

    I just hope that Bixby ' malware' is kept out of Vehicle's.

  • You can already use the Alexa app on your phone to do everything the Echos do, even actively listening for the wake word.

• Just make the announcement HQ 2 will be in Miami!

• The Echo Auto is basically an Echo Dot without a speaker. Are there any other differences, aside from form factor? Why not just use the Dot in the car? Tons of people do it all the time.

  • Many people have tried using the Dot and it requires a lot of work. The Dot connects via wifi and the new Echo Auto piggybacks off of your Smartphone connection (not wifi tethering) via the Alexa App. It can push direction request to 3rd party apps like Google Maps and most importantly it can boot up really fast. The echo dot is ment to have a constant power source and it sometimes loses it settings when turned off.

  • I don't have tethering on my phone, which the dot needs in the car. I assume this one doesn't need that.

  • Probably form factor and cost. Dots aren't $25. Once this thing goes up to regular price, it's a draw.

  • If you have a car with a usb audio input maybe... more reliable than Bluetooth. I don’t think a dot has usb output

    • @Rabbmd
      Echo Auto doesn't have USB output either, as far as we know. USB is for power only. Output is only via 3.5mm or Bluetooth.

• lol I love how they try to make the wire look non-intrusive by hiding it in the seam of the panel.

• Since spying on your home wasn't enough, we got devices to spy on you in your car as well!

  I swear some people do not care about their privacy at all, and that is all you then.

  • They have been spying on you since you started using "smart" phone which goes with you everywhere.
    :)

    • @guest_645583

      But Amazon wants to improve your life by being able to save you money on products based on your shopping.

      So you get a hair cut next to an Adult flower dispensary or park in front of one.

      Next thing you know your getting Amazon notifications that the silicone Roll-uh-Bowl Mini Portable Hookah is on sale.

      Google Map guides sends questions about selection of Indica's, satativa and hybrids.

      In the near future suddenly after getting a hair cut, around 10:30 that evening Amazon (after acquiring Grubhub) informs you that several Pizza places are offering Pizza and other 'Baked' goods.

      • Sign of time to come @guest_645674 Sign of time to come...........

  • I know, right? It's the same thing with those fools who carry their smartphones everywhere.

• Some might say the title is getting ahead of the game since all you can do right now is sign up for an invitation to preorder later this year. I hope this thing is better than the Roav Viva, which I found to be a complete POS.

  Also, "... they have the list price at $24.99" -- should be $49.99.

  • @guest_645560
    Yes and No, Alexa has been available for some Ford Sync3 vehicles for about 18 months. I imagine it is only a matter of time before Amazon will try or will want to get into the Auto Insurance game , or at the the very least monetize you driving habits, your other adult behaviors how much time or how often you spend at places that serve or sell adult beverages or adult flowers (cannabis) or local liquor store, OTB, Casinos, racetracks.

    Still haven't connected Alexa so that we can warm up car in winter by speaking instead of using the fob or app.

    Novelty factor of Echo wore off but the regular rainbow ring lighting up when it was listening was always a little reminder of Amazons intrusiveness.

    • Sorry, what are you responding to in my post?

      • Lol it was more in response to your other post about AI spyware tracking.