Amazon's "Echo Auto" is an in-vehicle Echo device that can use the voice assistant "Alexa" in the car.
Until now, it was not impossible to use Alexa in the car by bringing in smart speakers such as "Echo Dot" and "Echo Input". However, in addition to the need to set up tethering for Internet access, there are problems unique to in-vehicle devices such as the time it takes to reconnect when the engine is started, so it was never seamless.
What kind of solution is this Echo Auto trying to address these issues? This product, which has been sold overseas since 2018 and has already gained a certain amount of support, has now been introduced in Japan, so we will deliver a trial report. First of all, we will introduce the features of the product and how to install it as a basic section, and in the next utilization section, we will check questions such as whether this product can be used as a car navigation system.
"Echo Auto". The actual selling price on Amazon is 4980 yen including taxCompact body like a credit card
First, let's look at the exterior. The main body is as compact as a credit card, and the top has the familiar action button and microphone on/off button of the Echo series. On the front is an LED that lights up blue when responding. The size is about 85 (width) x 47 (depth) x 13.28 (thickness) mm and weighs about 45g.
By the way, this product also has a simple built-in speaker, but this is for use during setup, etc. After the connection is completed, all audio will be played from the in-vehicle speaker. There are no volume buttons on the device, and no way to turn down Alexa's volume when she starts speaking loudly during setup. This point is just like the Echo Flex, which also has no volume buttons.
Accessory list. In addition to the USB cable, an AUX cable for connecting to the 3.5mm jack is also included. The cigar charger is a specification equipped with USB Type-A x 2 portsEcho Auto body. It's much smaller and lighter than the impression you get from the product page photos. If I had to cite an existing model, it would be similar to the Echo InputComparison with the small "Echo Dot" (right). You can see how compact it is.On the top, there are familiar Echo series action buttons and a microphone on/off button. The eight holes are microphonesEquipped with a microUSB Type-B port used for power supply and an AUX port on the right side. There is nothing on the left sideBottom. There is a recess for attaching to the mount. Since it has rubber feet, it can be seen that it can be placed directlyMounting tool. Attach this to the outlet of the air conditioner and put the main body on it. There is no function to change the angle.To install, insert the attached special mounting tool into the air conditioner's air outlet as a pedestal and place it on top of it. Since it has a built-in magnet, it can be fixed firmly just by putting it on, and it can be easily removed in case of emergency. After that, connect the USB cable for power supply from the USB port on the right side to the cigar charger.
The gimmick that attaches to the air vent of the air conditioner can also be found in car accessories such as drink holders and smartphone stands, and while it is highly versatile, it may not be compatible with some models. Also, even if there is no problem with the physical installation, the layout may not be appropriate, or the air outlet may be completely covered, making it difficult to use the air conditioner.
In such a case, there may be a way to paste it directly into the dashboard. Also, if you don't mind sacrificing the sound collection of the microphone a little, you can also consider mounting the main unit sideways or upright. However, in that case, it is better to consider that the LED lamp on the front of the main unit will be difficult to see and usability will decrease.
First, insert the mount into the outlet of the air conditioner. It is not fixed with screws, but because it is made of hard rubber, it will not come off easily once attached. Snaps on with a magnetConnects to the charger attached to the cigarette lighter socket with a USB cableInstallation is complete. On the front, there is an LED band that indicates the response, which is common to all Echo devices.Personally, what caught my attention was that the microUSB port is located on the right side of the main unit. , The cable extends toward the driver's seat side and the direction of the steering wheel, so depending on the placement, it may feel like an obstacle. If the car model has a shift knob next to the steering wheel, the cable may get tangled in the shift knob, which is dangerous.
This is presumed to be because this product is basically designed for use in countries with left-hand drive vehicles. Ideally, there would be a microUSB port on the left side as well, and it would have been better if either could be selected, but currently the user has to devise it.
When installing, make sure that the top plate of the main unit is horizontal. This is because there are two buttons on the top that need to be pressed from the top, so there is no particular problem as long as it is tilted forwardContinue to set up.
Things to be sure to set