Espressif ESP32-PICO-V3-ZERO Packs Wireless Alexa Smarts Into a Compact Module Format
Official Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) aims to make it as easy as possible for hardware designers and software developers to integrate Alexa.
Espressif has announced the impending launch of an ESP32-powered Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) in module form, measuring just 16x23x2.3mm (around 0.63x0.91x0.09") including on-board antenna.
"ESP32-PICO-V3-ZERO is an Alexa Connect Kit (ACK) module with Espressif," the company explains of its design. "It provides an easy way for customers to build Alexa-compatible devices without worrying about managing cloud services, writing an Alexa Skill, phone applications or complex device firmware. It provides Alexa connectivity and supports features like Frustration-Free Setup and Amazon Dash Replenishment."
The module itself, measuring a compact 16x23x2.3mm (around 0.63x0.91x0.09" with an on-board PCB antenna and connectivity for an external antenna, it built around Espressif's ESP32-PICO-V3 system-in-package (SiP) — itself containing the ESP32-V3 system-on-chip, which includes 4MB of SPI flash memory, a 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi radio, and both Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity.
"ESP32-PICO-V3-ZERO comes pre-programmed with the ACK module firmware," Espressif continues. "It is also pre-provisioned to have credentials and connect to an ACK-managed cloud service. The ACK module firmware is managed by Amazon and provides out-of-box features such as Frustration-Free Setup, Alexa connectivity and Amazon Dash Replenishment."
"Customers can implement interfacing with peripherals on the host MCU when it is connected to the ACK module over a UART interface. This architecture significantly reduces software development and maintenance complexity for customers, while also providing a rich set of product features."
Espressif has not yet share pricing for the module, but has published technical details on the official product page.