While most of us only hear about Amazon’s personal assistant Alexa when it comes to the Echo speaker — and its new smaller versions — app developers have been able to tap into the tech via the Alexa Voice Services tool for their own devices, like alarm clocks or speaker systems. However, the capabilities available through the service weren’t as robust as those found in the Echo — until now. 

Amazon announced this week that it has made several “architectural improvements” to the Alexa Voice Services (AVS) tool to enable users to adjust the volume, control the playback of media, set times, and manage alarms.

The update also included a revamp of the Alexa app, allowing app users to also control the volume, playback, and other features.

Amazon says the updates will allow device makers to add many of Alexa’s most used capabilities to their own products.

Tech Crunch reports that Scout, one of AVS’ first partners, can integrate the improvements into its home security system, allowing users to control the volume of alarms.

By allowing developers to tap into Alexa’s capabilities, Tech Crunch suggests, Amazon is working on building an even larger Echo ecosystem that would include connected home appliances, wireless systems, and even some connected car systems, outside of the e-commerce giant’s own products.

Amazon improves Alexa Voice Services, which lets developers add Alexa’s voice control to their own devices [Tech Crunch]

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