Getting Started with the AMA Kit
Introduction
The Alexa Mobile Accessory (AMA) Kit allows any device manufacturer for Bluetooth-capable peripherals to enable Alexa on devices that pair with connected mobile Android and iOS devices via a Bluetooth connection, such as headphones and Bluetooth speakers. With AMA, peripheral devices can become Alexa endpoints by connecting directly with the Alexa App on a customer’s mobile device. The AMA Kit, which contains documentation and development tools, is available to AVS developers to simplify and accelerate development of AMA-compatible devices.
This page provides high-level onboarding information to help prepare you for implementing the AMA Kit in your Bluetooth accessory device.
- Introduction
- Onboarding checklist for the AMA Kit
- AMA Kit Compatibility Product Requirements
- AMA Kit contents
- Responsibilities for the Alexa companion app vs. the Bluetooth accessory
- AMA Kit Implementation Requirements
- UX and functional requirements
- Development app
- Troubleshooting (iOS)
- Internationalization
Onboarding checklist for the AMA Kit
To onboard with the AMA Kit, make sure that your product meets the following high-level requirements:
- Ensure that your companion app (if you have one) meets Amazon's requirements.
- Update your accessory's firmware for Alexa compatibility.
- Support the minimum iOS and Android versions that are supported by the Alexa app. See Download the Alexa App.
AMA Kit Compatibility Product Requirements
Compatibility with the AMA Kit has the following high-level product requirements:
- Support an AMA-compatible microphone.
- Support an appropriate version of Bluetooth with both Audio TX/RX. See AMA Kit Implementation Requirements
- Implement Codecs. See AMA Kit Implementation Requirements
- Implement AFE. See AMA Kit Implementation Requirements
- Implement the AMA protocol. See AMA Kit Protocol Specification
AMA Kit contents
Amazon provides device manufacturers with an AMA Kit with the following contents:
- Acoustic testing instructions
- Acoustic testing scoresheet
- iOS and Android reference apps
- AMA protobuf files
- Online documentation
Responsibilities for the Alexa companion app vs. the Bluetooth accessory
The two major components of an AMA Kit implementation are the Alexa companion app (provided by Amazon) and a Bluetooth accessory.
The Alexa companion app is responsible for most of the Alexa implementation:
- Handles all Alexa Voice Service (AVS) and music interactions.
- Exposing the AMA framework for connecting to a device.
- Pairing with the Bluetooth device. (Pairing is done by the app; not by the user's phone.)
- Performing a firmware compatibility check.
- Obtaining the user's locale.
- Offering a deep link to the accessory's companion app (if applicable)
The Bluetooth accessory is mainly responsible for transmitting voice interactions to Alexa:
- Configuring and verifying Wake words
- Enabling Push to Talk (PTT), if applicable
- Transmitting to the Alexa companion app
- Playing audio and taking over Media controls as required for iOS.
- Handling Codec support (Opus or Linear PCM)
AMA Kit Implementation Requirements
See AMA Kit Implementation Requirements for the list of Bluetooth, hardware, and security requirements that your accessory must support to implement the AMA Kit.
UX and functional requirements
Your Bluetooth accessory must meet Amazon's certification requirements to be qualified as "Alexa Built-in". These UX and functional requirements ensure a consistent Alexa experience for users across Alexa-branded devices.
See AMA Kit Functional Requirements for the list of requirements and recommendations.
Development app
Use the Amazon-provided iOS and Android development apps to help you implement the AMA Kit:
- As a source of reference code to help guide your AMA implementation.
- As a validated app to help you test your AMA implementation.
Note that these development apps are separate from the Alexa companion app.
Troubleshooting (iOS)
To view logs for troubleshooting iOS issues, see the iOS documentation: Console: View log messages in Console.
Internationalization
If you plan to sell your device in multiple countries, you will need to prepare your device for internationalization. In general, the AVS internationalization guidelines apply to devices using the AMA Kit. See Preparing for Internationalization.