Amazon today announced the release of Echo Auto in Canada. Auto Echo is the first Echo device designed to be used on the road, giving you a simple and affordable way to enjoy Alexa’s full potential while on the go.

Echo Auto is on sale today on Amazon.ca and BestBuy.ca for only $69.99 CDN.

Clients in Canada tell us that they want to bring Alexa with them wherever they go. We are therefore delighted to provide them with a simple way to use Alexa in the car they already own.

— Celine Lee, National Director, Alexa Canada

“With Echo Auto, they can enjoy the benefits of Alexa on the road, including the ability to play music, make calls, chase their audiobook, manage their to-do list and much more, all in their own voice and with their hands on the wheel,” added Ms. Lee.

The equipment of this technology

Echo Auto is equipped with a set of eight microphones specifically designed to take into account the complex acoustics of a car’s interior, allowing Alexa to discern the commands addressed to her in the midst of music, air conditioning and road noise.

Powered by your car’s 12V power socket or a built-in USB port, Echo Auto connects to your car radio via a 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth.

It connects to Alexa through the Alexa app on your smartphone, either an iOS device or Android and uses your phone plan to access a range of Alexa features, such as music, navigation, calling and more.

Thanks to Echo Auto, all you have to do is ask Alexa to broadcast your morning newsletter, listen to your Audible audiobook, traffic updates and much more.

You can also set up a routine that turns on the lights when you park in front of your house, set a reminder to pick up your clothes from the cleaners on the way home, control compatible smart home devices, make your grocery list or manage your calendar, all while keeping your eyes on the road.

Thanks to the Skills that are already in the Alexa Skills shop, you will also be able to take advantage of features designed specifically for the car, such as playing road games, confirming a route, or checking the current weather and road conditions in the surrounding area.