AlexaPi - nlynch25/DigiWorld-HW2 GitHub Wiki

How to Setup Alexa for the Raspberry Pi:

Project Objective:

• To get our raspberry pi's in sync with Amazon's Alexa.

• Ability to use raspberry pi with Alexa mobile app.

• Learn new applications with the raspberry pi.

Components Needed:

• Computer with Internet Access
• microSD card
• Raspberry Pi
• Speaker and aux cord
• USB Microphone
• Raspbian

Setup Procedure:

• Download Amazon's Alexa app in the App store
• Sign into Amazon on a computer
• Go to developer.amazon.com and sign in
• Create new Alexa Voice Device
• Name device in DeviceTypeInfo
• Complete Security profile (Pi's IP needed)
• Complete Device Details -choose no commercialization
• After developer set up, plug in pi and all other necessary hardware
• Use Terminal window to clone Alexa
• Copy clone from git clone https://github.com/sammachin/AlexaPi.git ,
• Run the install script: automated install
• Then, Run the Alexa Webservice
• On a second terminal window, run the sample app and confirm your account
• When asked to authenticate your device, click yes
• Log into Amazon account in browser
• Raspberry Pi now will have the necessary tokens to communicate with Amazon's server

Summary / FAQ

If this procedure is done properly, it will result in a near fully functioning Amazon Echo that responds to your voice. Using Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa, you will be able to get answers for all sorts of questions you might ask it, including the weather, time, etc. Any of Alexa's other applications like smart light bulb adjustment and thermostat can also be accessed using your raspberry pi.

What is Amazon's Alexa app?

• The free Alexa App is a virtual assistant to your Alexa device(Raspberry Pi).

Will the use of the raspberry pi also allow me to access Amazon's music services?

• No, the one limitation to using the Pi as an Alexa device substitute is that it can't access music services like Prime or Spotify