Anyone else get the Alexa update last night?? I already had the Echo Auto in my car, but it's nice to have it "built in" now. Functions the same. Wish it controlled the car features, but it's better than nothing. At least I can get rid of one extra device in my car (even though I have it situated real nicely, out of the way).

 

mine updated yesterday also and then i noticed the Alexa in the options now
i am confused i never used amazon Alexa before do i need to have a Alexa account do i pay more for Alexa ontop of my amazon prime account ?
what does Alexa do exactly ? i have heard of it but im not sure i understand what it is exactly

 

It's basically just like Google Assistant (which I prefer) or Siri. It links to your Amazon account. Doesn't cost anything. There might be some special specific skills that you could purchase and/or subscribe to (New York Times, etc) but it's definitely not necessary. I've used Alexa for years now & I don't pay anything extra.

I personally use it (in my car) to mainly open & close my garage door from down the street. And to set the thermostat when I'm almost home. Non-smart home functions that I use Alexa for include asking what the weather forecast is (at home or wherever I'm driving to), listening to local or national news, mucic control, etc. It all links up to your phone.

Only thing I'm not a fan of is that the Lexus Alexa runs through the Lexus Enform app on your phone. I'm personally not a fan of that app, but I still use it once in a blue moon. It automatically connects via Bluetooth to your car & runs in the background. So I guess for the most part you never notice it, but regardless I'm still not a fan of having apps on my phone that I'm not super thrilled with.

 

I only messed around with it a little bit so far, but from what I've experienced, whenever I've asked the "Lexus Alexa" to navigate somewhere, it doesn't seem to do anything. With my Echo Auto device, it would at least open the Waze or Google Maps app and give me directions. It'd be nice if it integrated with the stock built-in Navigation at least.

 

since i don't have it hooked up to anything like smart home stuff its basically the same as mobile assist by holding the call button down and once it beeps asking Siri to do to find somethingout or call someone or something like that ?

 

I'm not familiar with "Mobile Assist" specifically, but yes.... It is very similar to Siri.

 

What year does your car have to be in order for Alexa to work on it? Mines 2016

 

Mines a 2016 also.

I did notice over the last few days that the Lexus Alexa won't allow you to send text messages, or read your notifications either. The Echo Auto does (so does the Roav Bolt w/ Google Assistant too). I'm assuming that this is because it'd be a bit of a conflict with the original voice assistant.