Amazon’s Alexa Gadgets Toolkit beta brings voice control to singing fish toys

Ever heard of Alexa Gadgets? They’re Bluetooth devices that “enhance” voice interactions with compatible Amazon Echo devices (think connected lightbulbs synced to a killer soundtrack). Amazon made available a software development kit (SDK) in September 2017, alongside the launch of new smart speakers, the Echo Connect, Buttons, and more. But today, it formally launched the Alexa Gadgets Toolkit in beta.

The Gadgets Toolkit, which is available starting today in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, comprises self-service APIs and “gadget interfaces” that enable developers to tap into wake word detection, speech, notifications, timers, alarms, reminders, over-the-air updates, and other Echo services and software features. (Support for Amazon Music and kids skills are on the way, Amazon said.) Also in tow is helpful sample code and technical documentation.