As the first Echo device for your car, the Echo Auto seems to be the most highly anticipated Echo device in a while, according to customer discussions across the web. The device was announced in September and Amazon has been accepting invitation requests from customers to be among the first to buy the device, but recent changes to the Echo Auto’s product page make it seem like nobody is going to be able to purchase it until next year.
The Echo Auto product page used to say “This product will be available by invitation only later this year” next to the invitation request button. The text has now been updated to simply say “This product is available by invitation only,” which seems to indicate that invitations will not be going out this year as originally promised.
Other changes made to the product page relate to Echo Auto compatibility with smartphones and apps. The page used to say that “Alexa connects to supported apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze on your phone.” Now the page says that it connects to Google Maps and that “Apple Maps and Waze support will be coming in 2019.” It’s likely that this minor text change means that the Echo Auto will initially only be able to start navigation through Google Maps.
Near the bottom of the page, Amazon has also now added a link to a list of Android phones that are not compatible with the Echo Auto. The list mostly consists of older devices from manufacturers like HTC, Huawei, and Alcatel, but it’s certainly worth checking to see if your phone is on, or gets added to, the list when invitations start going out.
Amazon just today announced that Alexa Skill developers will now be able to request permission to access a customer’s location, which is a necessary ability for an on-the-go device like the Echo Auto. Interestingly, the announcement says that “location services are supported on the Alexa app and Echo Auto at launch, and will expand to other devices in the future.” This could mean that a boom of automotive Alexa devices are on the horizon.
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Couldn’t this also mean that some invitations have started to go out?
Some people have gotten an invitation but they just say they will let them know when they can purchase it.
how do you receive the invitation ? is is in you amazon account or is it in your regular email?
The popularity from the product showcase probably setback the release window until next year due to supply demands. Plus issues due to various hardware/ software compatibility. I am excited to get my when it comes out. More than likely everyone who gets it early will be beta testers.
It could also be that there are a few more bugs in the final testing and Amazon doesn’t want to release a buggy product?
I am anxiously waiting for the echo auto as well. Some put the echo dot in their cars and are successful with it. I could not get mine to work. There is another way though. Use the Alexa app. My stereo is already connected to my phone through Bluetooth. Just bring up the app and press the circle on the bottom. Alexa comes through the stereo. You can do anything that the home Alexa does. Request songs, tell her to turn on lights before you get home ect. The only thing is you have to push the button on the phone screen. So you don’t want it to be a distraction. Also when you push the button you don’t say “Alexa”. Just speak the request.
I contacted Amazon regarding an echo device for auto before it was even announced and they said they were releasing it soon. Then I received another email asking if I wanted to be part of the invitation-only event. I signed up when it was first available and I am still waiting for an invitation. I heard of one person receiving an invitation but it just to let them know that it will be available for purchase soon.
Come on Amazon we want the Alexa Auto why can’t we just go to the store and get it!!!!!!????
Pre-orders started shipping in January according to this article. https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/08/after-over-a-million-pre-orders-amazons-echo-auto-has-begun-to-ship/
I responded to the request for purchasing the Amazon Echo in September because my vehicle doesn’t have the bluetooth connection through my radio. When I saw the advertisement,I was truly elated, even though it stated that you must first receive an invitation. I am patiently waiting for my invite. I do presently own the Amazon Echo Dot and it will be advantageous while driving to also own the Amazon Echo Auto. Thanking you in advance for new device.