Olson, the Disney engineer, built two of the most popular Echo skills: complibot and insultibot, which teach the machine to dole out compliments and insults on command.
It's still hard to make money with Echo skills – they're free to download, though can include in-app purchases and commercials – and Amazon has yet to roll out a full store, though they're rumored to be working on it.
The course especially improved the self-reported familiarity with echo anatomy (median pre-course 2, IQR 2-3 to post-course median 4, IQR 4-5 score), understanding of machine optimisation (pre 2, IQR 1-3 to post 4, IQR 3-4) and practical echo skills (pre 1, IQR 1-2 to post 3, IQR 2-4).
She uses her echo location skills.
"It was a real-life hunt," Mears told the Gloucestershire Echo, "within my skill set but outside of my comfort zone".
For Twitch users with an Echo Show, the skill is far more helpful.
In spite of letting Alexa get a pretty massive head start, Google's done a pretty solid job playing catch-up to the Echo's existing skill set.
That's a lot, given that not all Echo owners even use skills, and many skills have never been installed beyond a handful of users.
These bodies were often a pleasure to watch; Mr. Ueyama has a fine collection of dancers, and he and Ms. Echo are not without skill in moving them across the floor.
For example, Alexa learned how to suggest skills to Echo owners when they asked a question that the assistant itself couldn't do.
