Adding voice control to smart home devices

Adding voice control to smart home devices

Smart home device integrations

  • Smart home device integrations are possible. The AIPEX system leverages Amazon's 'Alexa Smart Properties for Hospitality' program. Amazon does not provide the capability for us to enable 3rd party Alexa skills within our portal. However, it is possible for us to do this on your behalf as a manual process. There are a few caveats to be aware of:
    1. The smart home device must have an Alexa skill that we can enable for your specific property in order to control it. Some devices have a mobile app where the skill enablement is done behind the scenes in their app and they do not expose a separate method to enable their skill. If the skill is available on the Alexa Skill Store then you know this is not an issue.
    2. The skill must not collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Since this is a hospitality implementation, Amazon stipulates this requirement. In order to determine whether a skill collects PII, send a request to support@aipextech.com with the subject of "Smart home voice enablement request," and include a link to the name of the skill shown in the Alexa Skill Store.
    3. You must be willing to provide us with the login credentials for the account that you set up with the Smart Home device manufacturer. This is necessary because smart home skills require a step called "account linking" in order to enable the skill. We will use your login information to enable the smart home skill for your specific property.

Background on Smart Home Devices and Alexa Skills

Smart home devices have transformed how properties are managed, offering convenience, efficiency, and enhanced guest experiences. In a vacation rental context, devices commonly integrated with Amazon Alexa include:

  • Smart Light Switches and Bulbs: Allow guests to conveniently turn lights on/off, adjust brightness, and even change colors via simple voice commands such as "Alexa, turn on the living room lights."

  • Smart Thermostats: Enable guests to easily adjust room temperature using voice commands. For example, "Alexa, set the temperature to 72 degrees." Brands like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell offer robust Alexa integrations.

  • Smart Plugs: Convert standard devices into voice-controlled appliances. Guests can use commands such as, "Alexa, turn on the coffee maker," providing added convenience during their stay.

  • Smart Pool Controls: Allow easy voice management of pool temperature, lighting, and filtration systems. Commands like "Alexa, set the pool temperature to 80 degrees," enhance guest satisfaction.

These smart home devices rely on Alexa skills—specialized apps created by device manufacturers—to communicate with Alexa-enabled devices. Each skill acts as a bridge, allowing Alexa to send instructions directly to devices from various brands. Once enabled, these skills provide seamless voice interactions, significantly enhancing the guest experience by providing intuitive, hands-free control over their environment.

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