Has anyone found this useful? I feel like Siri, Google, or any other built in “virtual assistant” on your phone will do the same tasks but better and not require additional hardware.
I use it to play prime music through the car’s system.
According to the reviews that I have read, the primary advantage is the Amazon Alexa integration. If utilizing Amazon Alexa via the myriad of Alexa enabled devices is a regular part of your day, you’ll likely love the Echo Auto. If not, maybe not so much.
As you pointed out, there’s a lot of overlap with today’s built-in Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionalities. But Amazon would ask you, “Can you adjust your thermostat at home? Can you adjust the lights in your living room or elsewhere inside or outside your home? Can you place an Amazon order? All while driving hands-free?” If your response is, "What? or “Who cares?”, then maybe the Amazon Echo Auto is not for you. But, at this price, who knows? 80% off the original MSRP is tempting…
Maybe I’ll learn to at least like it a little bit.