Device Makers > Alexa Connected Devices > Development Resources
Choose from a variety of development options depending on your device type, development preference, and the customer experience you want to enable. No matter which option you choose, you can take advantage of our documentation, tools, and developer forums to help you on the way.
| On the Cloud | On Device Module | Local Connection | Alexa Built-in | Echo Paired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity Type | Connect your cloud to Alexa's cloud with Alexa skills | Add an on-device hardware module | Connect via local connectivity protocols | No additional integration required; use your existing AVS client | Pair with an Echo device via Bluetooth or BLE |
| Technology | Smart Home Skill API, Custom Skill API, Multi-Capability Skills |
Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) |
Zigbee, Bluetooth, Z-Wave and other local conncetivity protocols | Alexa Voice Service (AVS) API | Alexa Gadgets Toolkit |
| Key Consideration | Requires your own device cloud | Managed service: No need to create a skill or manage cloud service | Zigbee or Z-Wave certified |
Must have a microphone and meet AVS development requirements. | Can only be controlled by Echo devices |
| Supported Devices | Any smart device with Wi-Fi |
Any device with a microcontroller: coffee makers, ovens, microwaves |
Zigbee or Z-Wave certified lights, locks, plugs, sensors |
Any device with Alexa Built-in | Toys and gadgets |
| Voice User Interface | Pre-built (Amazon-defined) or custom built | Pre-built (Amazon-defined) | Pre-built (Amazon-defined) | Pre-built (Amazon-defined) | Custom built |
| Certification Eligibility | Works with Alexa | Works with Alexa | Works with Alexa | Alexa Built-In | n/a |
| Development Information | Smart Home Skill API | Alexa Connect Kit | Zigbee and Echo Plus | Smart Home for AVS | Alexa Gadgets Toolkit |
You can build a smart home skills with the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK), which provides self-service APIs and tools to build skills that enable customers to control your cloud-connected devices and appliances using Alexa.
Automate Testing
Use the Smart Home Tests tool to reduce the time and cost to certify your device by quickly testing your smart home skill’s functionality.
Debug Device State
Use the Debugger Tool tool to debug your device’s state reporting and other events as you build.
Manage Operational Metrics
Track and manage your device’s operational metrics like latency and success rates in the ASK console.
Steps to Build a Smart Home Skill
Learn how to build a Smart Home Skill in the developer console, create an AWS Lambda function, test your skill, and get it certified.
You can use Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) to connect virtually any device with power to Alexa without managing cloud services or creating a skill. You integrate Amazon-managed ACK hardware module directly into your device and then a pay separate low, upfront fee that covers your ongoing use of the ACK cloud service for the device.
Prototype with ACK Development Kits
Use the ACK development kits to accelerate your product development process with ACK.
Review the ACK Device SDK
Review the SDK documentation to understand how to integrate ACK into your device.
Create a Virtual Product
Reduce the time needed to prototype your product's Alexa experience to just hours by creating a virtual product in the ACK Console.
View the ACK Step-by-Step Guide
View the step-by-step guide to prototype an Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) product prototype.
You can connect your Zigbee-based smart devices, like lights, locks, plugs, switches, and sensors, to Alexa using the Zigbee hub built into the new Echo Show and Echo Plus, or through other Zigbee Certified hubs.
Echo Plus Zigbee Support
The Amazon Echo Plus has a built-in smart home hub that seamlessly connects and controls Zigbee smart devices.
Implement Works with All Hubs (WWAHu) Cluster
Works with All Hubs (WWAHu) is a custom Zigbee cluster that standardizes best practices to improve security, reliability, and interoperability for Zigbee devices.
Enable Zigbee Simple Setup
Enable Frustration-Free Setup (FSS) for Zigbee devices so a customer’s Zigbee hub will automatically and securely setup their device to their Zigbee network.
With the Alexa Gadgets toolkit, you can pair toys and accessories via bluetooth to an Echo device that connects directly with the Alexa cloud, without needing to manage a device cloud, account link, or enlist custom OTA solutions.
Start Prototyping with Alexa Gadgets
Bring your concept to life with off-the-shelf components and step-by-step tutorials.
Build with Pre-Defined Interfaces
Create a smart toy that responds in reaction to Alexa’s native capabilities, such as wake word detection, setting timers, receiving notifications, playing music, and more.
Create Your Own Interfaces
Create custom interfaces to enable a skill to trigger gadget behaviors, and enable the skill to act on information it receives from a gadget.
Documentation
Reference documentation and technical requirements to build your own
