Inspiration
We were inspired to use the Amazon Echo and integrate many APIs through node.js as it was a section of a computer science which we hadn't really touched on much. Through this, we learned a lot. It was also very frustrating in the past using the Amazon Echo as we would ask it basic information and it would not know. Therefore, we decided to change that.
What it does
The skill for the Echo allows it to take any natural language which people speak to it and run it through the Wolfram API. We format this request in a speech by the Echo who will tell you the answer very simply and to the point. It allows your Echo to expand its knowledge and capabilities by a great amount.
How we built it
We built it writing node.js in AWS, or Amazon Web Services. Using their developer console and their services, we were able to connect our code to the Amazon Echo and start programming many different features. We used node.js to make requests to the Wolfram APIs as well.
Challenges we ran into
It was tough at times figuring out the connections between the several different services as we had to use many different tabs and browsers running.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud to have created this skill which can answer many different various questions. We hope this skill will help those who were frustrated with the original Echo which could not answer simple questions. In terms of the hackathon, we are proud to place top 10 and receive the Best Project with Wolfram award.
What we learned
We learned how to use APIs effectively and write in node.js
What's next for Wolfram Howl
We will most likely refine speeches by the Echo and format requests in specific categories to further expand the amount of requests it can take. Furthermore, we hope to improve the website to take in real-time data and help people with what it learns.
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