Amazon Unveils API To Make Alexa More Smart

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Amazon voice recognition system – Alexa – now has got a new ‘Smart Home Skill’ API, making it possible for the developers to create new smart home commands for the system. ZDNet informs that the Amazon Echo, Tap and Dot speakers will be able to control different kinds of smart home devices using those commands.

Amazon Alexa – on path to lead smart home platform

Alexa’s development tools that created the functionality of controlling smart lights and smart thermostats, have been used by Amazon for building the API. When developers open the API, they will be able to expand Alexa’s smart home functionality by adding new commands for new types of devices.

For example, it will allow a developer to create a command for the Echo to open or close the door opener of a smart garage. It will also allow the amateur and professional developers to add commands for other devices including smart locks and alarm systems. Alexa’s capabilities as a smart home platform will be enhanced if more of such commands are added, helping it to stand in competition with HomeKit form Apple.

Amazon Alexa can take voice commands from anywhere in the home, and for this reason, it offers a convenient user experience, and thus, is already showing signs of becoming a leading smart home platform despite the fact that it is able to take commands for smart lights and thermostats only as of now. Users of other smart home platforms are usually required to take out their phone or grab a remote control to send commands.

The next Industrial Revolution

A lot of changes will be made to how we live, work, travel, entertain and more when the IoT revolution picks up speed, something it is doing gradually. The increasing ability of the consumers, businesses and governments to connect and control everything in their surrounding will affect every aspect of the users life, and will comprise of connected cars, connected homes, smart buildings and transportation.

There could be ‘smart mirrors’ too in the future, allowing buyers to digitally try on clothes before making a purchase. Also, there could be such assembly line sensors that are capable of detecting even the smallest decrease in the efficiency, and determining the time to replace or repair a crucial equipment.

We can have GPS-guided agricultural equipment that can plant, fertilize and harvest crops. There could be fitness trackers that allow the users to transmit data to their doctors. All this is not science fiction, rather the ‘next industrial Revolution,’ which is happening. It is so big that it can open up new revenue streams and new opportunities for people.

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