This past week Amazon made available a new tool called Alexa Blueprints. This web based site enables you to create your own skills for Alexa without any coding skills.
If you can follow a wizard based interface and straight forward instructions then you can build your own unique skills for Alexa.
First you must have an Amazon account to use the Alexa Blueprints website. If you shop at Amazon then you have what you need. Otherwise, it is easy enough to create an account.
Now, even if you do not own an Alexa enabled device, you can still build skills from these blueprints. Then you can access then through the Alexa app on Android and iOS devices. In the not too distant future, Alexa will also become available as an app for Windows 10 devices. Then you will be able to easily interact with Alexa on those machines.
To get started head to https://blueprints.amazon.com/ and log in with your Amazon account.
Note: The skills created using Alexa Blueprints are only accessible on Alexa enabled devices associated with your Amazon account.
According to Amazon it only takes three key steps to build your skill using Alexa Blueprint. Although I have 12 screenshots below as part of my walkthrough, it does boil down to the three key elements:
- Pick a blueprint
- Fill in the blanks
- Use your skill
Alexa Blueprints Screenshots/Walkthrough
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- Review and select the skill you want to build.
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- Select “Make Your Own” to start building your skill.
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- You will find some sample questions/options in each skill. You can leave those there or delete them. Select “Add Q&A” to add your own personalized entries.
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- All stock questions removed and ready for me to add my own personal Q&A’s.
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- My personalized entry for this quiz skill.
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- Add as many entries as you wwant for your skill/quiz. Select “Next: Experience” to continue.
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- Customization options will vary depending on the skill. Explore and make your skill personal to your likes. Select ” Next: Name” to continue.
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- Give your skill a name. Select “Next: Create Skill” to continue.
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- Your Skill being created.
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- The Skill’s creation continues.
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- Your new Skill is ready for use on the device.
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- Skill is complete and you can edit if necessary. Any edits will mean updates to the skill creation process as seen in these last few screenshots.
OK – you are now ready to enjoy your personalized skill or build even more.
Enjoy!
