One of the most exciting trends in the automotive industry concerns third-party plug-ins. Modders have been adding new exhaust systems, hoods, and spoilers for years (if not decades), but a new breed of tech mods have slowly appeared, including backup cameras and speakers. I recently tested one of the best recent tech accessories, called the Amazon Echo Auto, and for just $30 (currently only available in the US), it's a smart-level gamble. We're not talking about sensors suddenly providing automated driving or robotic functions, although this can happen eventually. I tested the Echo Auto with a 2020 Nissan Versa that costs €14,730 (about €11,000, AU22,000). The Versa offers a Bluetooth connection, basic road keeping, and excellent fuel economy at a reasonable price, but the addition of the Echo Auto provides a multitude of driving aids that struck me with their simplicity and usefulness.
Easy installation
The connection of the device is very simple. You can first sync via Bluetooth with your phone, then connect the Echo Auto to the car stereo via Bluetooth or the supplied 3.5mm cable. I chose the cable only so that everything is easy. Echo Auto then attaches to the car's vent using the provided mount. When you need to access the device, say "Alexa," then ask your question or start your order. The sound is played on the stereo in the Nissan Versa.
(Image credit: Nissan) I immediately tried a few basic features. I asked for directions, and because I was using an Apple iPhone 11 Pro, Echo Auto sent me a message on my phone to start navigating. I asked a passenger to accept the notification. I could have used the Versa's built-in navigation, of course, but I'd rather use my voice. With an Android phone, you don't have to acknowledge this notice and Google Maps will start working on its own. Using Apple Maps with an iPhone was so easy after accepting the prompt, even though you didn't see the route and there was no map. (Echo Auto only provides sound, it doesn't sync with the car screen.)
(Image credit: Nissan) I was especially interested in other features, I asked Alexa to play a recent Freakonomics Radio podcast and it worked perfectly. Later when I got in the car I asked Alexa to resume the same episode and it worked too. I've also been testing playing music, asking about the weather, and even doing research by asking Alexa questions. (I asked when 3D printers were invented and this provided some interesting information.) So I decided to ask about the closest gas stations to my current location. I was surprised that it worked. When Alexa reminded me that I could ask questions about phone numbers, I realized that the device also made a great speaker for phone calls. I called my wife and asked Alexa to dial the Amazon Show speaker in my house and it worked. One day we will be able to make a video call and send the car to the bot, but (for now) only voice calls work.
Your smart co-pilot
I could see where it would help in the future. The addition of Alexa meant I could focus more on driving and never fiddle with the radio. I could have a whole conversation. One day we can ask Alexa to drive the car or to stop, to let us out, and to pick someone up at the mall. We will keep in touch with Alexa through our phone. It may seem like overkill, but we're going to use more and more bots when they can do things for us that we don't want to do.
(Image credit: Nissan) To improve the features of the budget Nissan Versa, the Echo Auto was a smart and affordable alternative. Some vehicles, mainly from Ford, operate alone with Alexa without adding other products. For this test, I was happy that Alexa came to do the rounds. Along the way, TechRadar regularly reviews the futuristic technology of today's most popular cars. John Brandon, a journalist who has written about cars for 12 years, tests a new car and its advanced technology every week. One goal: to know what new technologies will lead us to fully autonomous cars.