Ford Puts Amazon Echo into their cars [Puts the Govt in Your Car. Everything Recorded & May be Subpoenaed in Criminal Case]

The Verge

A year ago, Ford teased a possible integration with the Amazon Echo smart home device, so car owners could turn on their home lights or browse their music libraries from the comfort of their Fusions or F-150s. Or they can switch it up and ask Alexa to start their car from inside their homes. Now the integration between Ford and Amazon is official and will be rolling out in the weeks to come, the companies announced at CES today.

Ford claims it will be the first automaker to offer real-world integration with Amazon’s popular smart home device. Other car companies have also working to get Alexa in their vehicles, but it looks like Ford may have won the sprint to get there first.

As soon as its available, Ford owners will be able to play and resume audiobooks, order items on Amazon, and search for and transfer local destinations to the in-car navigation system. From home, Ford vehicle owners will be able to remote start, lock or unlock doors, and get vehicle information using voice commands.

Ford will roll out its Alexa integration in two phases. The first, available later this month, connects you to your car from your home through Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, and Amazon Tap. The second, expected this summer, allows you to command Alexa while driving. [MORE]

In an ongoing murder case in Arkanasas, prosecutors have obtained a subpoena for the defendant's Amazon Echo recordings and data from inside his own home. [MORE] The Supremes have ruled that you have less of an expectation of privacy in your car than in your home.