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In this article, I’ll make a full comparison of the Amazon Echo 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen devices that put Alexa in your passenger seat.
Is Echo Auto Worth Upgrading?
I love my Echo Auto 1st Gen and having Alexa in my car as my co-pilot. I use it to navigate to my destination, play my favorite music, listen to podcasts and audiobooks, and make calls. Alexa can even help me find the closest gas station or taco joint. I also use Alexa on the road to create shopping lists, calendars, and to-do lists and manage my schedules from the privacy of my car.
Amazon announced the Echo Auto 2nd gen in September of 2022 with plans to release it at an affordable price soon. The new 2nd generation Echo Auto is expected to be more compact with some interesting new features.
So I started wondering about the differences between the two generations of Echo Auto Alexa devices. Is my trusty Alexa-in-my-car gizmo worth upgrading so I get the new features?
In this blog post, I compare them side by side, feature for feature, using the currently available data from Amazon.
Continue reading to find out what upgrades Amazon’s new Echo Auto 2nd generation appears to have over its predecessor.
Echo Auto 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen Tech Specs Comparison
Here’s a tech specs comparison to help you understand and highlight the differences between Echo Auto 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen.
(52x23.2x15.3mm)
(85x47x13.28mm)
(52x23.2x15.3mm)
(85x47x13.28mm)
Last update on 02/21/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Auto 2nd Gen Explained
The second-generation Echo Auto has a slimmer and more compact design with an adhesive base that supports flexible and stable positioning in your car.
Five microphones are included in the device to help you and passengers interact with Alexa regardless of outside traffic, air conditioning, or music being played. The adapter is certified (Quick Charge 3.0 certification) and can be used for fast-charging a phone.
You can also transform your smartphone display into a higher resolution driver-friendly display by using Auto Mode. This feature is available through the Alexa app.
Amazon now offers roadside assistance through Alexa, and this ability will also be available for both generations of Echo Auto. To connect to an agent for assistance, say, “Alexa! Call Roadside Assistance,” and you will be connected to an agent who can help with problems like running out of gas or a flat tire. Fee applies.
My favorite feature is using the built-in microphones to ask Alexa to play music from my car speakers. I primarily use Amazon Music and Pandora, but it will work with Apple Music, iHeart Radio, and other services as well.
Pros
Cons
Where Do You Get It?
Echo Auto 2nd Gen is available for purchase at Amazon.
Echo Auto 1st Gen Explained
The 1st generation Echo Auto allows you to get voice assistance from Alexa using voice commands while you are on the road. It is a small, nondescript gadget that can be plugged into your car’s power outlet (using the adapter you find in the box) or its USB port, depending on your vehicle.
You can use it to get driving directions and the same services Echo provides in your home, including news, shopping, and to-do lists, music, and much more.
The 1st Generation Echo Auto has an action button at the top, a mute button, and eight microphone inputs. There is a 3.5mm auxiliary port on one end and a USB port on the other.
When Alexa speaks, the front light strip glows in a darker or brighter blue.
Pros
Cons
Where Do You Get It?
The Echo Auto 1st gen is only sold on Amazon.
What’s in the Box?
Here is a quick overview of the box contents for the Echo Auto 2nd generation vs. the Echo Auto 1st generation.
Last update on 02/21/2023 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Echo Auto 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen: Which Should You Buy?
Echo Auto 2nd Gen is a significant upgrade to the previous model smart speaker.
Both devices will give you the ability to communicate with Alexa on the road, and both either require a connection via Bluetooth or the vehicle’s auxiliary ports.
The main improvements in the second-generation version include its smaller size, slicker style, fast charging, and a new adhesive mount that allows drivers to choose where they place the device. Alexa will also hear you better over road noise.
You may still be able to obtain the original Echo Auto 1st gen at a significant discount. Still, I recommend buying the upgraded Echo Auto 2nd gen when it is available on Amazon.
What do you think of my comparison of Echo Auto 2nd Gen vs 1st Gen? Please drop a comment below and let me know.
For more information about some cool ways to use Alexa on the road, check out this Echo Auto review I wrote.
If you want to compare the first-gen Echo Auto to the competition, see Echo Auto vs Roav Viva.
