Amazon announces enhanced device development capabilities with Espressif ESP32-C6 integration

Amazon today announced the expansion of the Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) SDK for Matter to support Espressif's ESP32-C6 platform, bringing enhanced capabilities and broader device development options to smart home manufacturers worldwide.
 

Expanding Silicon Platform Selection

The ACK SDK for Matter already supports Espressif's ESP32-C3, Beken's BK7235, and Bouffalo Lab's BL616 platform. Now, with the addition of ESP32-C6 support, Amazon is expanding its silicon partner portfolio to enable device makers to build more devices with advanced functionality. This broader selection allows manufacturers to choose the right platform for their specific product requirements, from entry-level devices to sophisticated solutions with complex feature sets.
 

ESP32-C6: Advanced Features for Next-Generation Smart Home Devices

The ESP32-C6 platform brings Several New Features for ACK developers:

• Flexible Processing Architecture: The ESP32-C6 features a high-performance 160 MHz RISC-V application core paired with an integrated 20 MHz low-power RISC-V coprocessor. This heterogeneous architecture enables efficient handling of complex workloads while maintaining ultra-low power operation for always-on and sleep-mode tasks.
• Advanced Wireless Connectivity: Supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, the ESP32-C6 also includes native support for Thread IoT protocols, enabling multi-protocol connectivity options for diverse smart home applications.
• Enhanced Security: The ESP32-C6 has achieved PSA Certified Level 2 security certification and includes built-in hardware encryption units, including digital signature capabilities, providing robust security foundations for connected devices.
• Expanded GPIO Options: With a richer set of GPIO pins, the ESP32-C6 offers developers greater flexibility in hardware design and peripheral integration. e.g., support devices requring additional peripherals, like sensor etc.
• Increased Memory Footprint: Enhanced RAM and Flash capacity enables device makers to implement sophisticated control algorithms and custom application layer logic that was previously constrained by hardware limitations.
   

Core ACK SDK for Matter Value

Developers using ACK SDK with ESP32-C6 get all of the core features of the ACK SDK for Matter, including over the air updates, logging, and metrics through Amazon's IoT service. These capabilities enable device makers to maintain and improve their products throughout the device lifecycle without requiring customer intervention.

The ACK SDK for Matter also enables Frustration Free Setup, delivering a seamless out-of-box experience for customers. With Frustration Free Setup, customers can simply plug in their new smart home device, and it automatically connects to their Wi-Fi network and Alexa—no app downloads, no manual configuration, and no complicated pairing processes required. This streamlined setup experience reduces customer support calls, improves product reviews, and increases customer satisfaction by eliminating the common pain points associated with smart home device installation.
 

Rigorous Security Standards

The ACK SDK for Matter solution over ESP32-C6 meets Amazon's requirements for security, and expectations for Works with Alexa certification. This certification helps customers buy smart home products with the assurance that they will integrate smoothly with Alexa.

"As Alexa Connect Kit adds support for larger application segments with more complex functionality, the ESP32-C6 platform provides device makers with the processing, connectivity options, and memory footprint needed to implement next-generation smart home features," said Ben McInnis, Smart Home Director at Amazon. "This expansion of Alexa Connect Kit demonstrates our commitment to providing partners with a broad selection of qualified silicon platforms."

"We are excited to collaborate with Amazon to bring ACK SDK for Matter support to the ESP32-C6 platform," said Amey Inamdar, Technical Marketing Director of Espressif. "The ESP32-C6 combines high-performance RISC-V processing with an integrated low-power coprocessor, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and PSA Level 2 security certification, making it an ideal choice for device makers looking to build feature-rich Matter-compatible smart home products. This collaboration expands the options available to our customers and enables them to select the right ESP32 platform for their specific product requirements, whether they're building entry-level devices or advanced solutions with sophisticated functionality."
 

Simplified Smart Home Development

The ACK SDK for Matter continues to simplify the development process by handling cloud connectivity, security firmware, and Alexa integration, allowing device makers to focus on creating differentiated product experiences. With the ESP32-C6 platform support, manufacturers can now:

• Develop more feature-rich smart home devices with advanced functionality
• Leverage dual-core processing for complex tasks and power optimization
• Implement multi-protocol wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Thread)
• Build on PSA Certified Level 2 security foundations
• Utilize expanded GPIO options for flexible hardware design
• Choose from a broader range of qualified ESP32 platforms to match their product requirements
   

Availability

The ACK SDK for Matter with ESP32-C6 support is available now to qualified device manufacturers. Development kits and technical documentation are accessible to registered partners.

For more information about the Alexa Connect Kit SDK for Matter and ESP32-C6 platform support, please contact the Alexa Connect Kit team at ack-apply@amazon.com or Espressif at sales@espressif.com.