"You no longer need an Alexa-enabled device to test your skills. Developers worldwide can use Echosim.io to experience Alexa." Alexa originated as the voice behind the increasingly popular Amazon Echo and has developed since into a powerful platform for voice-activated commands. In Echo form, Alexa can access music streaming services, control lighting and heat, order pizza, or answer simple, Googlable questions. The potential is also there for Alexa to do a lot more. With the help of some coding knowledge, customers can create their own custom commands Alexa can respond to – a big strength of the platform that means updates and improvements will be regularly created and added. Developer attraction could also be an edge for Amazon's Echo as rival tech companies like Google come out with their own versions.

Amazon has released a web-based version of Alexa, the voice-activated digital assistant that powers its Echo speaker. Called Echosim.io, the service simulates having an Echo -- to a degree. At the user's prompting, Alexa on the Echo can access Amazon Prime or Spotify music, call an Uber, check Google calendar, or listen to an Audible book. In the animation, the Echo's rim starts to pulse blue at the user's prompt. The web-based simulator is far more limited than Alexa in Echo or Amazon's smaller speakers, Dot and Tap.

Amazon has put Alexa, the voice-powered AI software found in the Echo, Dot and Tap, right inside the browser with the launch of Echosim.io. After logging in with an Amazon account, anyone can start asking Alexa questions by clicking and holding on the mic button. Amazon's Alexa is able to answer basic questions around information, weather, news and music and control other gadgets in the home. But since launch, one of the real differentiators for the Echo has been integration with third-party developers. With an Amazon Echo, you can use your voice to order anything from a pizza to an Uber or even tune your guitar.