Newbie button question - Button invoke an Alexa announcement

SmartApps & Automations
2

Sure, as you’ve noted, most buttons cannot be used as the trigger in an Alexa routine. (the exception is the Flic button.)

However, you can trigger an Alexa routine with a sensor. And then in smartthings, you can create a virtual device using an which is both a switch and a sensor. When you turn the switch on, the sensor opens. When you turn the switch off, the sensor closes.

So here’s the high level description of how the workaround process will happen in everyday use:

  1. You press your button.
  2. That triggers a SmartThings routine that turns on the switch portion of your virtual device.
  3. When the switch portion of your virtual device turns on, the sensor portion of that same virtual device looks like it opens.
  4. when the virtual sensor opens, that triggers an Alexa routine (not a SmartThings routine) that makes the announcement.

Somewhere in there you have to have the virtual switch turn itself off again so that it is ready for the next announcement.

Here’s the community FAQ on creating what you will need for this process including a link for the edge Driver you will need to create the virtual device. :sunglasses:

FAQ: Can I trigger an Echo Action without Speaking to It?

Note: after the discussion in this thread plus a review by a friend, this initial post has now been edited and both of the FAQs linked to from this thread have also been edited, hopefully to make it less confusing for a post groovy world. My thanks to @thegrillsargent for patience during this confusing time of transition. It’s been hard on us all! :face_with_head_bandage:

2 Likes