auto mode: Amazon Alexa gets Auto Mode for vehicles – Times of India

Amazon Alexa has been augmented with a new mode especially focussed for vehicles called the Auto Mode. As per Amazon, Auto Mode in the Alexa app lets you see and do more with your Echo Auto and supported Alexa auto accessories by turning your phone into a smart, driver-friendly display that enhances Alexa’s in-vehicle voice experience. Auto Mode is rolling out to Android and iOS in the coming weeks, and will be available in the US., Canada, Germany, France, India, Italy, Spain, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Auto Mode consists of four screens — Home, Navigation, Communication, and Play — and a persistent menu bar allows users to quickly switch between them. Here is a look at Auto Mode features in some detail.
The Auto Mode home screen is designed to provide one-touch access to your frequent actions, with shortcuts to play and pause your current music source, navigate to home or work, and to make a call. You can simply tap on the shortcut to initiate the action or ask Alexa, for example “Alexa, continue playing my music.”
The Navigate screen provides one click access to your favorite locations stored in the Alexa app. Choosing a destination will open your preferred navigation app and begin guidance. You can switch back to the Alexa app using only your voice by simply asking, “Alexa, go back to the Alexa app.” You can also ask Alexa to help you find someplace new, for example, “Alexa, find nearby coffee shops.”
The Communicate screen allows you to place a call, Drop In, or make an announcement to your Alexa devices. You can ask Alexa to initiate the action or touch your selection, and Auto Mode will provide an easy to read list of recently placed calls and devices. If you want to drop in on your family to let them know you are headed home, you can say “Alexa, Drop In on my Kitchen Echo Show,” or simply tap on the screen and Alexa will do the rest.
The Play screen shows the most recent media played using any Alexa device and a convenient button to play or pause, along with a list of most recently played media.