Alexa Gadgets Toolkit allows third-party devices to work with Alexa and connects to Echo devices via Bluetooth.
Amazon has launched the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit, a set of software tools allowing third-party devices to work with Alexa. Using the toolkit, third-party gadgets connect to Echo devices via Bluetooth.
An example made by Amazon using the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit is the Echo Button introduced last year. It’s a button with blue or red shining light on the top. Users can play some Alexa voice games by clicking on the buttons.
Amazon offered more example applications using the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit in an announcement. A cuckoo clock will pop the head out when it hears users saying the wake-up word “Alexa;” a robot will lip syncs the content when Alexa reads local weather report; when a pre-set reminder rings, a pill box will play a short tune and flash an array of colors for daily vitamins; and a singing fish will dance along when a song is played from Amazon Music.
The toolkit offers something like IFTTT, allowing developers to utilize some actions from Alexa and connect them with other gadgets. This may inspire developers to create more ways and devices to work with Alexa.
Children entertainment companies have started using Alexa Gadgets Toolkit, including Hasbro, TOMY International, WowWee Group Limited, BabyPlus and Novalia.
The toolkit includes self-service APIs, technical documentation and sample codes for direct pairing and connectivity, communication and over-the-air updates between the gadget and its paired Echo device.
The first product built with the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit will be available later this year, said Amazon. The toolkit was released in the U.S., the UK and Germany.