New SmartThings Alexa skill (2020)

[ogiewon]

@blueyetisoftware

Is there any way to connect Alexa to ST without giving Amazon access to your complete inventory of devices?

It used to work that way… then Samsung replaced the old integration with this current version, which forces the user to share every device with Amazon and/or Google. I would not hold my breath for this feature ever returning, as the last time I saw anyone from Samsung mention it was back in January, roughly eleven months ago.

Initially stated the work began back in August, 2020…

@blake.arnold

Thanks @uberrob - this is helpful information. The team is working on an option to allow for selection of devices that are shared with GH and Alexa which sounds like it should resolve most of the issues you’re having by being able to point GH to the other native services for full functionality and lower latency with those devices. I really appreciate the detailed use case and constructive feedback.

And then mentioned that it was still being worked on in January, 2021…

@blake.arnold

I appreciate everyone’s patience with this. Yes, it’s still happening and being actively worked on. It’s been way more complicated than we’d like but it’s still moving forward.

I have not noticed any official word in the community from Samsung since then.

@blueyetisoftware

It would be nice if ST could call Alexa routines directly like a REST api.

I do not believe Amazon has an official API to allow this type of integration. It used to be possible via a Community Integration called Echo Speaks, but Samsung pulled the plug on that as well due to excessive cloud server usage.

There are other platforms that allow individual device selection for Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and that can run Echo Speaks, if these are important features for your requirements.