Brickset now on Amazon Echo
Posted by Huw,
The developers of IOS app iBrickset have been in touch with news of a new innovation that leverages the power of the Brickset API:
We are in an exciting space right now as we are experimenting with several futuristic gadgets and technologies to build workable business solutions.
One of these is Alexa, aka Amazon Echo. Amazon Echo is a wireless speaker and voice command device from Amazon.
We’re developing an Alexa skill called Brick Bot for LEGO users. With Brick Bot users can ask Alexa for available sets in any year, list of all the available themes and sub-themes, and set details based on set numbers.
This is just the first level, and we’re keen on adding several more parameters to this skill. We believe it has a lot of potential.
We’re hoping it will prove to be a winner with LEGO users around the world, because we feel LEGO is fun, and Alexa is fun, and putting the two together is a great combination! J
It would be awesome if you could share this information on your site, so any of your users with the Amazon Echo can get to know about this Alexa skill!
We are in the process of drafting a PR as well, which we could share with you as soon as its done.
More information about Brick Bot
Brick Bot is a one-stop-skill for your LEGO needs! Alexa can tell you available sets, themes and sub-themes, and details based on set numbers. This skill uses Brickset for all the data.
Currently we have configured the skill to provide the following information:
- What sets are available in a year
Utterance for this – Alexa, ask Brick Bot for available sets in {any year}, e.g. – 2016
- What themes are available
Utterance for this – Alexa, ask Brick Bot for available themes
- What sets are available in a particular theme name
Utterance for this – Alexa, ask Brick Bot what sets are available in the theme {any theme name}, e.g. – Action Wheelers
- Set details when give the right set number
Utterance for this – Alexa, ask Brick Bot for the details on set {set number}, e.g. – 21108
This skill is now in the verification process and very soon it would be a certified skill, available on the Alexa Skills Directory.
We have also submitted Brick Bot on Hackster.io for an Amazon Alexa Skill Contest. You can take a look at it here.
More information is available on the publisher's website.
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I have to admit that I don't fully understand all this, and don't have the means to test it, so if you do, and can shed some light, please do so in the comments.
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8 comments on this article
Thank you. I love my Amazon Echo and this sounds like a very cool feature. I would like to have a query of "Do I own set xxxx". "Can you add set xxxx to my wanted list"
Just like alexk999 says, I would love to be able to say, "Alexa, add set xxxx to my collection (or wish list)." As a collector, having new and innovative database tools to log my collection is important to me. Leaving a store and using Alexa to add a set via my phone with voice would be great. When I got home I could edit the record to include more details.
Now you tell us! After 11 years in the US, I just moved back to the UK today. One of the many things that is now rotting in a storage facility in LA is my beloved Alexa as I checked and it didn't seem to be able to work in the uk. Great little gadget. Every now and again she sparks to life while watching TV if there's someone mentioned called Alexa. It scares the crap out of me if the volume has been left up high. One time she just came out with "adding booty to your wish list". Can't even remember what shday tv show was on.
Good move. The general opinion seems to indicate that these "bot" devices will become more popular in the near future. I applaud the developers for their foresight.
@Brainslugged -- Alexa does have her moments, but she is definitely a keeper. Echo is one of the best voice recognition devices out there for the moment :)
Even though the Echo is not officially released in the UK, you can definitely set it up and make it work.
We came across this article that talks about what the Echo can and cannot do in the UK (especially around the services offered) -- http://www.live-smart.co/review/what-is-amazon-echo-and-is-it-any-good-4767
Hope you find it useful. And it's probably time for you to fish Alexa out from your storage facility :)
@alexk999, @davefaust78 -- Thank you for sharing ways in which you see yourselves actually using BrickBot! These suggestions and ideas from real users makes developing so much more fun!
Do continue to send us any more feedback or suggestions you have, and we'll try our best to put it in for you!
@TSK15 -- Appreciate the kinds words. Glad to know someone who shares our enthusiasm :)
I wholeheartedly agree with Alex and Dave. The ability to add/lookup sets by voice would be wonderful! Also, how cool would it be to have Alexa lookup and send a build manual right to your email or other preferred delivery method? The possibilities for this are as endless as LEGO itself! Kudos to the developers!