Amazon Echo Auto (3rd Gen) and Anker Roav Bolt are two of the most talked-about car assistants in the tech world. Both gadgets promise to make your drive more enjoyable and convenient by bringing smart voice assistance right into your car. But how do they stack up against each other? Let's delve into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which one might be the perfect co-pilot for your journeys.
Design and Build
The Amazon Echo Auto (3rd Gen) has a sleek, minimalist design that blends in seamlessly with most car interiors. It's small and unobtrusive, easily fitting on your dashboard without taking up much space. Amazon has focused on making the device feel premium with good build quality that should withstand the everyday bumps and jostles of driving.
On the other hand, the Anker Roav Bolt opts for a slightly bulkier form factor that plugs directly into your car's cigarette lighter (12V socket). Its design is functional, providing not just the smart assistant features but also two USB ports for charging your devices on the go. The Roav Bolt feels sturdy, designed to be a practical addition to your car's dashboard.
Installation and Setup
Setting up the Echo Auto (3rd Gen) is relatively straightforward. You'll need to connect it to your car's stereo system either via Bluetooth or an auxiliary cable and then set it up through the Alexa app on your smartphone. The process is user-friendly, guiding you through each step.
The Roav Bolt’s setup process is similar, but it has the added simplicity of not needing an auxiliary cable since it connects through your car's stereo via Bluetooth directly. It’s managed through the Google Home app, mirroring the setup process of a Google Home device which might be familiar to many users.
Voice Assistant Capabilities
The core of both devices is their voice assistant capabilities. The Echo Auto is powered by Amazon Alexa, while the Roav Bolt uses Google Assistant. This might be the deciding factor for many users depending on which ecosystem they're more invested in.
Alexa, in the Echo Auto, offers a broad range of skills that includes playing music, reading the news, making to-do lists, and controlling smart home devices. It can also answer questions, navigate, and more. The device’s eight-microphone array ensures Alexa hears your commands clearly over music, air conditioning, and road noise.
The Anker Roav Bolt, with Google Assistant, provides a similarly wide array of features. You can ask it for directions, stream music, send texts, make calls, and manage reminders or lists hands-free. Google Assistant is known for its ability to understand natural speech patterns, making it slightly more intuitive to use for some folks.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both devices boast wide compatibility with most smartphones and cars. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth, which in turn uses your phone's data connection to access the internet. However, ensuring your car's stereo system can connect to the device either through Bluetooth or an auxiliary port is crucial.
The Echo Auto (3rd Gen) sometimes has the edge in connectivity because it can use either Bluetooth or an AUX connection, offering slightly more flexibility for users with older car models.
Audio Quality and Performance
When it comes to relaying your voice commands and playing responses or media, both devices perform admirably. The Echo Auto’s extensive microphone array gives it an edge in voice recognition, especially in noisier environments. However, the overall sound quality will largely depend on your car’s audio system since both devices are reliant on it for output.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Amazon Echo Auto (3rd Gen) and the Anker Roav Bolt comes down to a few key factors. If you're already immersed in the Amazon ecosystem and prefer Alexa as your assistant, the Echo Auto is a no-brainer. Its design, build quality, and microphone array make it a powerful addition to your car.
However, if you sway more towards Google's ecosystem, appreciate the additional charging ports, and seek a slightly more intuitive speech recognition system, the Anker Roav Bolt is an excellent choice. It integrates seamlessly with Google services, making it ideal for those who rely heavily on them.
Ultimately, both car assistants offer a leap towards a smarter, more connected driving experience. Whether you go for the Echo Auto or Roav Bolt, you're likely to find that getting a little help from your virtual co-pilot makes your journeys safer and more enjoyable.