Here's How Alexa Skill Blueprints Tool Extends Amazon's AI Lead Over Siri, Google Assistant
Amazon has rolled out something cool for folks who have pondered creating their own Amazon Alexa Skills, but lacked the programming skills necessary to do it. Alexa Skill Blueprints are a new way for customers to create customized Alexa responses and personalized skills. Blueprints are simple to use templates that allow you to do things like build your own trivia game, personalized stories, instructions lists, and custom Alexa responses to questions.
Amazon has launched its tool with over 20 blueprints, and it says that the selection will continue to grow. The blueprints allow users to create these custom experiences by simply filling in the blanks. This allows custom responses to questions like “Alexa, who is the best mom in the world?” or to create a list of instructions for the
"Alexa Skill Blueprints is an entirely new way for you to teach Alexa personalized skills just for you and your family," said Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. "You don’t need experience building skills or coding to get started—my family created our own jokes skill in a matter of minutes, and it’s been a blast to interact with Alexa in a totally new and personal way."
The available skills also allow you to create stories with your loved ones as characters. The process is simple with selecting blueprint templates, filling them in, and then saving them to the devices associated with your Amazon account. The skills are available for customers in the U.S. now. Alexa speakers were updated recently to act as intercoms using Alexa Announcements. The list of Alexa Skills Blueprints at launch include:
At Home
- Custom Q&A: Customize responses to your questions
- Houseguest: Make your guests feel at home with quick access to important info
- Babysitter: Help your sitter find things, remember steps and get important info
- Pet Sitter: Help your pet sitter care for your favorite animal
Fun & Games
- Family Jokes: Create a list of your favorite jokes for when you need a laugh
- Trivia: Create your own multiple choice trivia game on any topic
- Inspirations: Curate a list of your favorite inspirational quotes
- Family Trivia: Play together and brush up on family history
- Bachelorette Party: Play to find out how well the bride’s friends know her
- Birthday Trivia: Play to see who knows the birthday girl or boy best
- Burns: Roast your friends and family with lighthearted burns
- Compliments: Flatter your favorites with a list of custom compliments
- Double Trouble: Find out which couple knows each other best with this customizable game
- First Letter: Play a game of categories starting with a certain letter
Storyteller
- Adventure: Write an adventure story where your child is the hero
- Fairy Tale: Customize an interactive prince and princess-themed tale
- Sci-Fi: Create an interactive story with a far-out theme
- Fable: Create a short narrative with a moral of the story
Learning & Knowledge
- Flash Cards: Study, test yourself, and master any subject by voice
- Facts: Keep a list of facts on your favorite topic, all in one place
- Quiz: Challenge yourself and others with a customizable quiz
