Here is a recap of new posts for the week of August 15^th on the Amazon Developer Blog:

Five Steps Before Developing a Smart Home Skill

Sr. Evangelist at Amazon Alexa, Michael Palermo IV, outlines the 5 steps you should take before developing with the Smart Home Skill API.

System X-Ray for Amazon Fire TV

We introduced a new feature for Amazon Fire TV—System X-Ray—which allows developers to visually track device and application metrics while an application is in use. This useful tool for developers and testers, provides pertinent metrics to help diagnose issues within an app or game.

Alexa Champions: Recognizing Top Alexa Developers in the Community

We launched a recognition program honoring the most engaged developers and contributors in the community. These individuals are educating and inspiring other developers in the community online and offline. They are actively and independently sharing their passion and knowledge of Alexa with the community. We’re proud to call them our “Alexa Champions”.

Meet April L. Hamilton: Developer, Blogger, and All Around Alexa Champion

Meet April L. Hamilton, whom Amazon Echo users and Alexa skill developers will likely know from her website, www.lovemyecho.com. The site has become a collection of Alexa developer resources, “how-to” articles, news features, and even downloadable Bingo-cards.

Appstore Posts Editors’ Choices, Game of the Week

Contributing editors from Appstore Posts—a companion blog designed to help consumers (and developers!) find future classics—highlighted another great batch of their favorite Amazon Appstore mobile games including. This week’s top pick: Five Nights at Freddy’s.

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