Six Ways to Get Alexa in Your Car
Here are the six ways you can get Alexa in your car:
Using Alexa in Factory Infotainment Systems
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, and you’re a fan of Alexa, then there are a number of vehicles that have Alexa built right in. Instead of tacking on additional hardware, Alexa is accessed through the same interface that you use for the radio, navigation, hands-free calling, and everything else.
The benefit to this type of Alexa integration is that it’s extremely easy to use. There is nothing extra to buy or set up, all you have to do is ask Alexa questions just like you would at home.
The drawback to this implementation is that it’s not available in most vehicles, and it’s probably not a feature that will sway many people to purchase a vehicle they wouldn’t otherwise be interested in.
How to Get Alexa in Your Car With Alexa-Enabled Devices
Once you step away from the Echo Auto, there are a whole lot of Alexa-enabled devices that allow you to get Alexa in your car. These devices fall into two broad categories, which are Alexa-enabled navigation devices, and Alexa-enabled Bluetooth speakers, but you use them in more or less the same way.
Install the Alexa app on your phone. iOS: Alexa on the App Store Android: Alexa on Google Play Set up Alexa on your phone. If your Alexa-enabled device has a proprietary app, install and set it up. Some devices only use the Alexa app, and others require an additional app. For example, the Alexa-enabled Garmin Speak navigation device requires the Garmin Drive app (iOS, Android) Install your Alexa-enabled device in your vehicle. This may involve mounting it to the dash or windshield, setting it in a cup holder, or placing it in any other safe and secure location. If necessary, plug your Alexa-enabled device into your vehicle’s electrical system via the cigarette lighter or 12V accessory socket. Some Alexa-enabled devices are battery-powered. Others, like the Echo Dot, require you to purchase a separate 12V USB adapter. Power the device on, and connect it to your Alexa app. If necessary, turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot, or activate your hotspot device to provide an internet connection. Connect your Alexa-enabled device to your vehicle’s audio system through either Bluetooth or a wired auxiliary connection, if either is available. If your head unit doesn’t have Bluetooth or an auxiliary input, you’ll need to choose an Alexa-enabled speaker, like the Dot, that can work on its own. If you go this route, you’ll have to mute your car audio system manually when listening to music or making calls through your Alexa device. You are now ready to access Alexa in your vehicle using voice commands.
Using Alexa in Your Car With Just a Phone
The last way to use Alexa in a car is to just use the Alexa app without any additional devices. This provides you access to the exact same information, but it’s less convenient and also less safe.
iOS: Alexa on the App Store Android: Alexa on Google Play
The issue is that while Alexa-enabled devices leverage your phone, and require you to have the Alexa app installed, they allow you to do it all hands-free. There is no way to use the Alexa app hands-free without an external device like Garmin Speak or an Alexa-enabled speaker like Rova Viva.
