ANNOUNCE: Alexa voice control (development thread)

[meep]

Following discussions in this thread and having built a proof-of-concept as well as figuring out a few issues around security, I'm pleased to announce the start of development proper on an Alexa Skill and companion LMS plug-in that will allow voice control of Squeezebox devices through Amazon Echo.

The ambition is to get a basic set of commands implemented in a robust manner and to get it through Amazon certification in a timely fashion. I'll be following a KISS philosophy - implementing basic playback control facilities initially, the thinking being that complex tasks such as configuring playlists or managing sync groups are probably best done through the LMS UI rather than via voice control. (of course, these features may be added later). The first version will be English only. Again, language support can be added in the future.

This thread will be used to discuss development issues etc. Once we get to release stage, I'll start another thread. If you have thoughts or ideas, please share them here. If you feel you can help with coding, testing, translations etc., send me a PM.

I'll also be blogging regularly on the project homepage - probably the best place to get a clean feed of where the project is at.

Here's to the adventure!

Peter

[meep]

-reserved for release announcements

[philippe_44]

-reserved for release announcements

Like that!

[castalla]

Congrats!

You requested a list of device names to build-in to the app ...

As I commented elsewhere, given the wide user base, I fear this could become a very large listing (of weird & wonderful names!).

How about starting in the dev. version with a limited list of 'recognised' squeezebox variants? Eg,:

Touch
Radio White
Radio Black
Radio Red
Duet
Boom
Squeezeplay

[meep]

Congrats!

Thanks!

You requested a list of device names to build-in to the app ...

As I commented elsewhere, given the wide user base, I fear this could become a very large listing (of weird & wonderful names!).

How about starting in the dev. version with a limited list of 'recognised' squeezebox variants? Eg,:

Touch
Radio White
Radio Black
Radio Red
Duet
Boom
Squeezeplay

Agree that I should keep it as simple as possible, though I'd also need to add in room names / locations I think as well.

Here's the current list. Further thoughts appreciated.

(Remember, even if a device name is not on the list, the skill is smart enough to make a good guess so it's not critical that ALL names are here.)


Touch
Radio
White
Black
Red
Boom
Boombox
Transporter
Duet
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Playroom
Livingroom
Lounge
Den
Sunroom
Conservatory
Dining Room
Family Room
Chromecast
Libratone
Jongo
Loewe

[castalla]

Just signed up for an amazon dev. account. .... so, geared up for testing!

[meep]

Just signed up for an amazon dev. account. .... so, geared up for testing!

Send me your e-mail address in a PM so I can add you when I have something to test....

[Heuer]

Please add to device names - 'Garage' - I have a Boom in there which I listen to when tinkering with my Classic cars. Ditto 'Office' where I have a another Boom.

Thanks

[meep]

Please add to device names - 'Garage' - I have a Boom in there which I listen to when tinkering with my Classic cars. Ditto 'Office' where I have a another Boom.

Thanks

Done!

[ftlight]

How about adding Chromecast to the device list?