Amazon announced today that it is now possible for anyone to create new Alexa skills with no programming required using its Alexa Skills Blueprints system.
Anyone in the U.S., that is.
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“Now anyone can create and publish an Alexa skill in minutes, with no coding required, using Alexa Skill Blueprints,” Amazon’s Brian Crum announced today via the Alexa Blogs. “Skill Blueprints enable anyone to create and share customized Alexa skills simply by filling in the blanks to one of dozens of easy-to-use templates. Now, anyone can publish skills created using Alexa Skill Blueprints to the Alexa Skills Store in the US for customers to discover, use, and review.”
Amazon first announced Alexa Skills Blueprints last April, and I described it as working like a digital version of Mad Libs, where you “fill in the blanks” in a template. Apparently that was just a pre-release version of the system, but there have been additions since then as well: Amazon has also released new Skill Blueprints built specifically for content creators, bloggers, and organizations. There are skills for personal trainers, gyms, and fitness studios; tutors; history buffs; authors; and more in there.
To get started with Alexa Skill Blueprints, visit the Skill Blueprints website, browse through the six available categories— Greetings & Occasions, Organizations and Businesses, Fun & Games, Learning & Knowledge, At Home, and Storyteller—and add your own content as needed. Skills can be published for personal use only, for friends and families, or publicly for all to enjoy.