Amazon teaches you how to build an Alexa-powered device with a Raspberry Pi

Amazon has published a guide for how people can build and test their own device powered by its Alexa Voice Service, which allows hardware makers to build its virtual assistant into their devices. With this new guide, Amazon tells you how to get Alexa Voice Service up and running with a Raspberry Pi.

From Amazon’s GitHub page:

This project demonstrates how to access and test the Alexa Voice Service using a Java client (running on a Raspberry Pi), and a Node.js server. You will be using the Node.js server to get a Login with Amazon authorization code by visiting a website using your computer’s (Raspberry Pi in this case) web browser.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining the sample code, the dependencies, and the hardware you need to get the reference implementation running on your Pi.

Of course, to get started, you’ll need a Raspberry Pi 2 circuit board, which you can find on Amazon for about $37. You’ll also need additional hardware, including a microSD card, a micro-USB power cable, and a microphone. Once you’ve got everything set up, you’ll be able to request music playback, set an alarm, ask general knowledge questions, and more.

What is the Raspberry Pi?