Here’s the ultimate guide on Alexa Auto: which cars have it, what it does, and other options to get Alexa tech in your car.
Alexa Auto Skills: What It Can Do?
Alexa Auto, built into the central dashboard of a long list of cars, is all about making your ride smart. Those cars that do not have built-in Alexa can buy stand-alone devices with Alexa Echo and link to their vehicles.
Alexa Auto does almost everything the Echo home device can do. In short, Alexa Auto is a voice-controlled virtual assistant, just like Google Home, Apple’s Siri, or Samsung’s Bixby. It can handle a long list of tasks, and, more importantly, users talking to Alexa do not need any technical skills. Once Alexa Auto is online, it becomes a versatile automotive tool.
With Alexa Auto, users can:
Which Cars Have Alexa Auto Built-In?
Alfa Romeo Audi BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ford GMC Jaguar Jeep Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lucid Maserati Mini Copper RAM Rivian Toyota Wagoneer
Depending on the car and model, Alexa Auto comes fully integrated—built into the dashboard multimedia system, and uses the in-car screen, microphones, and speakers—like BMW or GM. Other car brands, like Toyota, have Alexa as an app integrated into the multimedia system. These connect via smartphone. Alexa does require connectivity which can cost $10 to $20 a month.
My Car Is Not on the List. How Do I Get Alexa Auto?
If your car is not on the list, there is no need to worry. There are several ways you can get Alexa Auto in your vehicle. Portable Alexa Auto options are not always expensive and can be used in any vehicle.
The app will guide you on connecting the Echo device via Bluetooth or using the 3.5mm cable during the final instructions. These simple steps is all it takes to connect an Echo Auto device to your car.
How Alexa Auto Works
Alexa Auto voice control is pretty straightforward and intuitive. There is no need to read complex user manuals to know how to do all the things Alexa can do.
To play music, a driver only needs to say, “Alexa, play music,” and Alexa will do it for them. Users can also be more specific, for example, by saying, “Alexa, play my favorite music,” or “Alexa, play music from the 1990s”. The same functions work for all Alexa skills.
If you forget to lock the front door of your house or turn off the lights, and you have a smart lock, just say, “Alexa, lock the front door,” and Alexa takes care of the rest. This hands-free voice technology is especially useful when trying to do things while driving.
You can tell Alexa to add items to your grocery list, call someone, find and even ask random questions, all without the need of any special command.
The Future of In-Car Voice Tech
Tens of millions of people worldwide use voice technology in their daily lives. It powers smart homes, smartphones, or smartwatches on the go. So it is only natural that the technology will be built into every vehicle.
Every carmaker knows that the future of the automotive industry is self-driving and enhanced infotainment technology. In the future, car passengers will use voice technology to tell the car where to drive and how to drive, and the car will take it from there. Users will also get all the info and entertainment they need for the ride through voice technology. Furthermore, remote control of houses, businesses, or other devices, is also an inevitable part of the future.
