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These home-brew skills can comprise everything from interactive stories (using a predetermined script or your own invention) and learning aids to home help (“Alexa, what’s the Sky PIN?”). Practical examples include offering helpful information for babysitters or pet-watchers.

Using the supplied templates at blueprints.amazon.co.uk, a skill takes just a few minutes to create. HCC had an early preview of Blueprints at Amazon’s London HQ, and quickly realized that the system offers a lot of potential for customised smart home control, particularly for those with extensive Alexa ecosystems. There’s also fun to be had creating bespoke movie and TV trivia quizzes.

A House Guest skill, ideal for Airbnb owners, can provide a guide to amenities and services: “Alexa, where’s the Blu-ray collection” or “Alexa, what’s the Wi-Fi password?” Similarly, a Custom Q&A template invites users to ask useful stuff like “Alexa, what is the greatest home cinema mag?”

These customised skills can be accessed on any Alexa device registered to your Amazon account. However, you can also share personal skills through email, text, WhatsApp, or social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest, or with a shareable link. We can’t wait to hear what AV style applications users come up with.