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When we think of Alexa services, our first thought probably goes to the classic Echo Dot, but no longer do these devices have to be confined to our homes. Amazon has released the latest edition of the Echo Auto for $54.99, which brings Alexa on the road, allowing you to go completely hands-free in the car.
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Whether you’re looking for directions or want to stream the Foo Fighters‘ newest single “Under You” before their album comes out, the second-generation Echo Auto has got you covered. It brings all the capabilities of the Alexa you know and love in your home and makes them mobile. Now you won’t have to be at home to indulge in her vast knowledge — especially when it comes to giving you directions to that concert venue.
What makes this one different from its previous variation? Well, this time around, Amazon made the second generation a slimmer design for an easier mounting process to your dashboard. There’s also a five-mic built in that’ll allow Alexa to pick up your voice over the sound of the AC, radio and other road noises. And, for the days you forget to pack your portable charger, the Echo Auto comes with a fast car charger to juice up your phone on the go.
You’ll still be able to enjoy the classic capabilities, too, such as streaming your favorite playlists whether it’s through Apple Music, Amazon Music or Spotify. You can also use it to call for roadside assistance: Just say “Alexa, call roadside assistance” and you’ll be connected to an Amazon agent who can request help on your behalf. You can also control your other compatible smart home devices and call and message — all while you’re driving.
Make sure to snag one of these handy devices before your next road trip to enjoy an easier driving experience.
Shop the Amazon Echo Auto below. And for more product recommendations, check out our breakdown of the Ring Dash Cam, a car purse holder that will make your life easier and a roundup of record players and turntables.
Amazon
Echo Auto (2nd Gen, 2022 release)
$54.99
Rapper Vico C has signed a record deal with Nain Music, a division of Rimas Entertainment, Billboard has learned.
Previously signed to EMI Latin, where he released albums such as En Honor a la Verdad and Desahogo following his release from prison in the early 2000s, Vico C is kicking off a new phase in his career with a new deal and an upcoming studio album due in May.
“During these times, when it’s a great necessity to put out content that’s pure, a new platform opens to continue to do what I’ve always done with my music: touch hearts and revolutionize a lost society,” Vico C said in a statement. “That’s why I think the most important part of my union with Nain/Rimas is the liberty they’ve given me to express what I want.”
The Puerto Rican artist, born Luis Armando Lozada Cruz, became one of the most recognized and respected Latin rap artists of the 90s with songs such as “Me Acuerdo,” “Bomba Para Afincar,” “La Recta Final” and “Viernes 13.” On the charts, Vico C has eight entries on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums, three hit the top 10, and three entries on both Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay.
“It’s a privilege to work with an artist of this stature with a great trajectory like Vico, who’s legacy in Latin music and and in the new generations is still in full force,” added Fidel Hernández, CEO of Nain Music.
Vico C is managed by his wife Sonia Torres.
Halsey has signed a global publishing deal with BMG. The deal includes administration of future songs as well as her recently released single “So Good” and the Calvin Harris-led collaboration “Stay With Me” (also featuring Justin Timberlake and Pharrell).
Previous to this announcement, both Halsey’s recorded music and publishing were handled by Universal Music Group’s Capitol Records and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). Her compositions written prior to the new BMG deal, including the critically acclaimed If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021), will remain under UMPG’s care.
Halsey says of the deal, “I’m thrilled to announce this partnership with BMG. I was immediately drawn to their artist friendly, songwriter-first mentality and I’m looking forward to taking this journey with my new BMG family.”
One of the industry’s brightest stars today, Halsey, born Ashley Frangipane, became a cult-favorite with their debut album Badlands (2015), an alt-pop compilation that revealed their distinctive sound as both a singer and writer to her followers on Tumblr and to the world. From there, Halsey broke through to the mainstream as the top liner on Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” which reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 and stayed there for twelve weeks. The song eventually broke the record for most weeks in the Hot 100’s top five, with 26 weeks (or six months).
Halsey has remained a top-earning artist ever since, charting on Billboard’s U.S. Money Makers list for 2020, and the singer-songwriter bolstered that monetary success with the critical and artistic acclaim of Manic (2020) and If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021). Beyond the music, Halsey is also an accomplished author, activist, and entrepreneur. Their book I Would Leave Me If I Could: A Collection of Poetry debuted on the New York Times Best Seller list for 2020, and their makeup brand about-face beauty, an inclusive beauty line for all, is a top seller. Through her music and business pursuits, Halsey is known for drawing attention to important causes, including women’s rights, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Jason Aron and Anthony Li, Halsey’s co-managers at Anti-Pop, said, “BMG’s creative and refreshing approach to publishing is very exciting. Thomas and his team globally, have welcomed us with open arms. We appreciate their passion and dedication to putting artists first.”
Thomas Scherer, president of repertoire & marketing, Los Angeles and New York, said, “Halsey is an inspiration, a multi-faceted creator with a voice that hits you straight in the heart. We are prepared to present them everything we can offer, with our team’s full support around the world from Australia to Asia, Europe to LATAM, and all throughout North America. We welcome Halsey and their team to BMG and look forward to working alongside with them to elevate them to a whole new level.”