So, here's the thing that I like about it... if google now had an API then you could build an app that talked to google now for you. I like the idea that I can host my own echo endpoints at echo.ranman.org and then have my own server make calls out to other stuff.
I don't really use anything amazonian besides a kindle and the echo (although I do really like the fire TV stuff).
I use a ton of other apps/stuff -- and many of those have APIs. If I could call out to those APIs with my voice and then get stuff back it would enable a lot of convenience and intelligence that's hard to do on just a phone (or if more apps supported making API calls via siri, google now, cortana, etc.)
I'm really excited to see what people build with the SDKs and I hope it takes off.
I have access to the SDK but I haven't built anything with it, and I remember having an NDA. So I don't know how much I can say about it's functionality.
I'm excited about it, but it's more cautious optimism because it's kind of limited, but I don't remember if it's too limited to have the kind of stuff another commenter pointed out like "When does McDonald's close?"
And Google Now does have an API.. they're just super protective of it right now. It will definitely be more interesting once it starts to open up ;)
Just curious how early did you sign up for the SDK and how long was it between your request and when you were given access? I requested access probably a month ago and haven't heard anything since.
Thanks. It seems like they have either slowed down sending out SDK invites or the number of developers requesting has increased. I'm probably not the only one who waited to signup for the SDK until I had received my Echo.
I don't really use anything amazonian besides a kindle and the echo (although I do really like the fire TV stuff).
I use a ton of other apps/stuff -- and many of those have APIs. If I could call out to those APIs with my voice and then get stuff back it would enable a lot of convenience and intelligence that's hard to do on just a phone (or if more apps supported making API calls via siri, google now, cortana, etc.)
I'm really excited to see what people build with the SDKs and I hope it takes off.