Introduction
I've been experimenting with the Amazon Alexa personal assistant platform, and it seems reasonably interesting, especially as third-party companies start to implement their own skills. As a side project, I put together an app that can tap into the service for mobile and TV, but I've found it's very effective on a TV and much less so on a mobile device. The nVidia Shield TV's remotes seem to have enough microphone coverage to make the voice commands function from across a room, and you can leave the remotes plugged in so battery doesn't drain on them while you're using them as a voice control.
This is in NO way an official app from Amazon.
There's an option for always-on listening, but you really will want to have your remote plugged in for that, and you might want to disable it when you watch movies, occasionally it'll trigger in the middle of a Netflix binge. Basically it's not perfect, but I'm looking for feedback on refining the app!
More Details
You can read the whole write up on the project here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-alexa-always-on-assistant-will-blaschko-ma
You can download it for mobile here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.willblaschko.android.alexalistens
The app has been approved for Android TV, you can find it by searching the Google Play app on your TV for "Alexa Listens"
Features
Currently the library I wrote for this doesn't support more recent feature additions like timers and scheduling, but it'll do all the basic voice commands/questions/skill triggers. It'll probably even order Domino's Pizza or call an Uber if you have those skills enabled. Since I don't have any eligible home automation, IoT hardware, I don't know if it'll control those... maybe? Feedback welcome, critique welcome, mostly I just wanted to offer it up if people wanted a chance to try the platform.
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Edits
5/15/2016: New APK: add support for devices w/o microphones--ability to type Alexa command via Settings toggle.
sounds amazing....can't wait to try it!!
unfortunately returned my shield for one w/extra controller. won't have the new one until tuesday...then i'll give this a ride!
thanks
Very interesting.
Will try it with the phone app first before I get my amazon voice remote.
The app is now available on the Google Play store for Android TV
Thank you for making this app.
Please can you tell me in the echo companion app
I have an "Alexis Listens" and an "Alexaweb" under devices but both are listed as offline. I can get Alexa to respond to voice but cannot get it to add devices under smarthome.
How can I fix this ?
You are a genius!!!
I have installed Alexa Listens and the Alexa App on my nvidia shield. IT is working great. Just like you posted. I do have a couple issues.
How do I control KODI with AListen? I am not able to get Alisten to open IHeart Radio. I set it up in the alexa app but AListen says IHeartRadio is not authorized for this device. I am also in search for a generic LED Bulb Skill for Alexa. Any idea where I can find one? Thanks
Related
Here's a Media Share app from the system dump of the MyTouch 4G by clink. eVil pointed out the name of the Twonky.apk so I could find it.
Tested so far on my Enom 2.13.2 hybrid ROM and streamed to my Windows 7 PC and video's played but with no sound using Windows Media Player. Music streamed good!
I'd thought I'd share my findings here. Don't know if it will work on other ROM's, so test it. Have yet to test on my PS3.
To test and install put on SD Card and use Astro to open.
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Great find, my Nexy gets Sexier everyday.
P.S. Videos worked just fine for me, using CM6.1 rc1
Wireless G
followinginsanity said:
Great find, my Nexy gets Sexier everyday.
P.S. Videos worked just fine for me, using CM6.1 rc1
Wireless G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app you using on your PC to play the video's with sound?
Just open up Windows Media Player. It will be listed on the left in library view.
Works great with LG HB905SA over wireless
Application is on the Market since January http://www.appbrain.com/app/twonkyserver-mobile/com.pv.TMS
d750 said:
Application is on the Market since January http://www.appbrain.com/app/twonkyserver-mobile/com.pv.TMS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess so huh! Guess we really don't need this then here! LOL
If only I had this app in reverse
Streaming my Music and Videos from my PC to Phone, with either 3g or Wifi
Very cool app for the Nexus...I did not know about it. thanks
gotwake424 said:
If only I had this app in reverse
Streaming my Music and Videos from my PC to Phone, with either 3g or Wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't help you with the video, but get the DAAP player to stream your music over wifi or 3G.
sassafras
gotwake424 said:
If only I had this app in reverse
Streaming my Music and Videos from my PC to Phone, with either 3g or Wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Audiogalaxy is perfect for streaming music from PC to Phone over both Wifi & 3G
only audio though, no video
gotwake424 said:
If only I had this app in reverse
Streaming my Music and Videos from my PC to Phone, with either 3g or Wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Orb Live will do both for you...
the PC side is free (and you can stream to other PCs).
The native android app is in the market.
I think you can stream your media through the browser on the phone now that we have flash though. And then it'd be totally free...
mm Nice
I got streaming video/music/pics working from TVersity to my Nexus One browser... not bad through 3G either.. If anyone need directions PM me..
So has this happened to anyone else?
You're exploring the handful of apps on your 3D that you haven't even gotten a chance to look at yet, and you find several that seem really cool, albeit a tad repetitive (here I'm thinking Dock, Media Share, Connected Media..etc.) and you think "wow, awesome, I can stream movies from this phone to my other devices" or "wow, awesome, I can transfer HDMI video from this phone to other devices"....
..and then you realize that to do ANY of these cool things, you'll need either for the other device (e.g., your PC) to be DLNA compatible, or else you'll need to go out and buy an HDMI cord...or else a docking station.
I guess this post is 1/2 complaint and 1/2 question, but to be fair I should ask the question before I complain too much: do I HAVE to have a DLNA/HDMI cable/Dock station to do some/most of these cool functions? I mean obviously I can copy/paste files onto other devices--or even doing so wirelessly using bluetooth, Samba, etc..---but it seems like the coolest functions all require stuff I don't have, and I guess I'm especially confused about DLNA since my laptop is a dell from last September...seems new enough to have supported DLNA...
Alternately, is there a workaround for DLNA? A program or device or add-on I can use to make my laptop compatible?
OK I guess that's my rant, sorry and thanks for listening...
I'm no DLNA expert, but I think that any PC/Laptop running Windows that has WIFI can support DLNA, I'm pretty sure its just a matter of having the software.
Also you should be able to send data to your TV through a XBOX 360 or Playstation 3, I believe they both support DLNA.
panamaniac said:
Alternately, is there a workaround for DLNA? A program or device or add-on I can use to make my laptop compatible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you have to do to make your computer work with DLNA is to go into windows media player, make sure WMP is in full screen, then in the tool bar click stream, then make sure "allow remote control of my player" is selected, and "automatically let devices play my media" is selected. then click" more streaming options" and see if there are any devices found, then make sure none are blocked. Now your done.
EDIT: make sure your all your devices are on the same wifi network for this to work
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There's really only two major services for streaming, Airplay (Apple) and DLNA (Everyone else). You've got plenty of options as mentioned above including any windows device, ps3, etc.
Awesome ill try once my power comes back on ...thanks!!
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Scotbot this is great! Now I can stream my media from my phone to my windows media player--very nice! I followed your steps, and then went into media share and enabled certain folders to be shared, and voila!
I guess the only better thing would be if I could actually use "Connected Media" to share with WMP--b/c then the phone would be the controller from what I understand. As it is, Media Share simply lets WMP access my phone, but Connected Media actually lets me play a movie on my phone that then automatically streams to other devices...I'm guessing that actually requires legit DLNA...?
Thanks for the post! I can now send 2D videos and photos to my laptop and my Samsung LCD TV! Works great!!!
It's probably one of my more used apps. I like to stream video from my computer to my phone while I'm at school so remote access is necessary. I tried Emit, but the free option is somewhat annoying. Before purchasing it, is there a better alternative?
Emit Brings Air Video Functionality to Android
RedDonut
Plex
Mirage
mojoe_24 said:
It's probably one of my more used apps. I like to stream video from my computer to my phone while I'm at school so remote access is necessary. I tried Emit, but the free option is somewhat annoying. Before purchasing it, is there a better alternative?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the ones mentioned above me. The best one in my opinion is Qloud Media Player. So Far it has played any video i have thrown at it. Has a good interface and controls. It can also stream mp3s and pictures as well. IMO better than AirVideo. My favorite is stream mkv's and watching anime with subtitles.
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I know you are looking for airVideo, but found this
Miracast
Android finally has an answer to Apple’s AirPlay. Sort of. Android 4.2 brings Miracast compatibility to Google’s mobile OS, allowing phones and tablets to wirelessly connect to Mircast-equipped TVs, Blu-ray players and other set-top boxes to mirror what’s on your mobile device on the big screen. The technology was developed by the Wi-Fi alliance and is an open standard that any hardware maker can use, but so far there are only a handful of Miracast products available. If the technology takes off, this could be a real plus for Android users. But right now that’s just an if.
Source found Here
mojoe_24 said:
It's probably one of my more used apps. I like to stream video from my computer to my phone while I'm at school so remote access is necessary. I tried Emit, but the free option is somewhat annoying. Before purchasing it, is there a better alternative?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use Samsung's solution called AllShare Play. It allows devices to access files on your phone from your computer. Check out allshareplay.com. There should be more info there.
I thought all 4.2.2 devices supported Miracast, but I don't see an option for it....
I was thinking of getting a cheapy dongle off of ebay to mirror my TS to the TV (no idea why lol)....
Anyone got any ideas?
death_entry said:
I thought all 4.2.2 devices supported Miracast, but I don't see an option for it....
I was thinking of getting a cheapy dongle off of ebay to mirror my TS to the TV (no idea why lol)....
Anyone got any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll not need any option.
Buy ezcast, it's 15$ dongle and with ezcast app you'll be more than satisfied.
I'm using it on all my devices (Z1, N7, XU...)and I'm planning to use it on TS.
I have cast screen option on Nexus 7 and it can't detect dongle but as I said - ezcast app is doing great job and.
Literally - plug and play...
Mirror/dlna/web/live/music/video - everything is working...
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Video player (inside of app) is capable to show subtitles, that's something I really need...
Cheapest and best wifi dongle I ever had...and I have chromecast too...
This is better device then Google chromecast.
Google restricted many options and it's, for me, best for web and media servers streaming (youtube, netflix)...
But ezcast is best for mirroring and wifi video/pist/music sharing (from other device)
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
funky0308 said:
You'll not need any option.
Buy ezcast, it's 15$ dongle and with ezcast app you'll be more than satisfied.
I'm using it on all my devices (Z1, N7, XU...)and I'm planning to use it on TS.
I have cast screen option on Nexus 7 and it can't detect dongle but as I said - ezcast app is doing great job and.
Literally - plug and play...
Mirror/dlna/web/live/music/video - everything is working...
View attachment 2750688
Video player (inside of app) is capable to show subtitles, that's something I really need...
Cheapest and best wifi dongle I ever had...and I have chromecast too...
This is better device then Google chromecast.
Google restricted many options and it's, for me, best for web and media servers streaming (youtube, netflix)...
But ezcast is best for mirroring and wifi video/pist/music sharing (from other device)
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What dongle do you have? I was looking at the Measy A2W but its got such awful reviews on Amazon... I thought it looked like the one of the better built Miracast / EzCast dongles...
death_entry said:
What dongle do you have? I was looking at the Measy A2W but its got such awful reviews on Amazon... I thought it looked like the one of the better built Miracast / EzCast dongles...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe...well I just said - ezcast is name of mine
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
There are quite a few dongles that apparently support eZcast, however does this work much the same way as Chromecast works where you only use your phone as a remote control... where as miracast is actually mirroing your device screen instead of just syncing the Casting Dongle to play the same content from where you left off?
death_entry said:
There are quite a few dongles that apparently support eZcast, however does this work much the same way as Chromecast works where you only use your phone as a remote control... where as miracast is actually mirroing your device screen instead of just syncing the Casting Dongle to play the same content from where you left off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using ezcast to mirror my notebook screen, tablet screen or Z1 screen.
Also...
I can play videos/movies with external subtitles, mp3, web pages... (not in mirror mode, it has app that can play all that media while I'm using my device...
One more thing, even expanded window is working...
It's absolutely great gadget...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Hi everyone,
I had posted a thread about this app on the moto360 session, but I think now it is more stable for the rest of Android Wear devices.
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Voice Controller for Spotify is an application that allows you to use voice commands to start media playback on your phone from an Android Wear device.
Features
•Assign the app to Android Wear’s system voice actions and send a query using “Play…” voice action*.
•Start the playback of playlists you follow on Spotify using the keyword “playlist”. Likewise, use “artist” or “song” to filter your search results only with bands/artists or tracks.
•Put your favorite band’s top songs or playlist on shuffle/repeat mode by using “shuffle” or “repeat” keywords.
•Playback controls on your Android Wear Device. Send pause, skip, play and all the other media commands straight from your watch. (5.0+)
•You are following a playlist and it is super hard to speak its name? Maybe even impossible? Try out our playlist renaming feature. This will rename the playlist only on this app to make it easier to say its name.
•Hands busy with pizza but you really hate one specific song of a playlist? Just say “Skip” or “Play next” to skip the song (or just say any media commands you want! i.e. resume, pause, skip, previous). But if you think you are too fancy to say these common words, just rename them to whatever you want!
*Sometimes Google’s voice recognition does not send the request through the app. If that happens, just open the app using “Start Spotify Controller”, and then speak your request or use your favorite Android Wear launcher to start the app.
Due to limitations on Spotify Android App, some of these features are only available on the Native Player, which uses Spotify SDK BETA.
A PREMIUM SPOTIFY ACCOUNT IS REQUIRED TO USE THIS APP.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.voicecontroller
---------------
I developed this app a few weeks ago because of the amazing voice recognition Google has been doing on Android Wear. The idea of the app came while I was eating some pizza, getting my hands dirty, and then I noticed that there was an awkward silence in the room with a couple of friends, and the idea to play some tunes using my watch came to my mind. I tried saying some commands to check if some songs started playing, since I saw that we could assign apps to "Play music" voice action, but none of the actions I tried worked (phone was locked, I didn't even see Google Music opening up). I felt a little bit frustrated for a moment, but then I realized that it is quite simple to connect Spotify and the Wear Voice Commands. It was when this app came to life.
The app is completely free, and I plan to keep like this and without any ads. If you like the app, feel free to show some love by rating on Google Play or using the donation button.
I just released the newest version that comes with main features Spotify has (artists, playlists, tracks, enqueueing, repeat mode, etc), but using voice commands! If you have an Android Wear device and Spotify Premium account, please, check it out! I would love to get some feedback
Thanks!
Great, works fine here