Amazon turns to location-based APIs for Alexa
On Wednesday, Amazon released a new application programming interface (API) that lets Alexa developers build skills that use real-time user location data, reports Fortune.
Users must first give Amazon permission to share their location data with developers. This new API is part of the online retailer’s larger strategy of broadening the reach, and strengthening the capabilities of, its popular voice assistant.
Until now, developers have had access to some user location data, but only through their own channel or users’ Amazon Prime accounts. For example, Philips Hue, with users’ consent, could access location data via its own mobile application. Alexa developers also have some access to Amazon Prime subscriber information, enabling them to see users’ zip codes. However, this data paints only a partial picture of where Alexa is being used — for example, a user could bring their Echo Dot with them on vacation.
With access to users’ real-time location data, developers can create a more personalized user experience. The new API enables developers to create skills that are tailored to users’ exact location. For example, developers working on the GrubHub skill can now program it to allow a user to ask Alexa to find the nearest Mexican restaurant while the user is in the car. The skill can then recommend three nearby restaurants based on that user’s location. This is an ability that Siri and Google Assistant, two of Alexa’s primary competitors, already have.
This is part of Amazon’s larger strategy to build up the Alexa ecosystem by enhancing the user experience and expanding its hardware footprint. It’s not the first time Amazon has partnered with a third party to enhance the Alexa experience — earlier this year, the online retailer partnered with Ford to place Alexa in some Ford models.
