If you have an Amazon Alexa device such as an Echo or Echo Dot, you can now create your own skills with no programming or any other special knowledge needed. The whole process can take less than 5 minutes.
This past week, Amazon announced what they’re calling Alexa Blueprints. These will allow you to create “private” skills that only work in your own household with your own personalized questions and answers. There are currently more than 20 templates and there will probably be more soon. The existing Alexa skills templates include a number of fun trivia and quiz games that can be customized for your household. It also includes templates meant to be used as resources for family members, house guests, babysitters, or pet sitters.
The blueprints consist of simple forms that can be filled out with questions you’d like Alexa to respond to and the responses you want it to give. Each form comes with some sample content filled out that you can either replace or append to. Once the form is complete, the skill will be available immediately.
If you don’t have an Alexa device yet, Amazon is currently running a $20 off promotion when you buy two echo Dots, a 20% savings. You’ll also save when you buy two of any other Echo device up to $130 off two Echo Shows.
