Alexa on a Stick, to go!

The Amazon Fire TV Stick ($39.99) is a small but powerful media device.  In addition to delivering Prime video content to your television's HDMI port, the remote can be used to verbally interact with the Alexa Voice Service.  A portable, audio-only Alexa device can be built with a few accessories.

The Fire TV Stick can be powered by a small battery pack, and a HDMI audio splitter is used to connect in a small speaker.  So for a total of $83 you can be up and running with a hand-held Alexa device! 

You will need to run the initial configuration of the Stick with a TV connected, in order to join a WiFi network, but the TV connection can then be removed for an audio-only device.  Once configured for WiFi, the Stick will boot up and join your network within 30 seconds of power up.  You can bundle the components together with scotch tape to create a self-contained "device".

The Fire TV Remote Control app (available from your Appstore) allows you to control your Fire TV Stick, and speak directly to Alexa.  Any custom Alexa Skills you have created will be available, just as on the Echo device.  Just touch the microphone icon and drag it down to begin a voice command:

You can also spend the extra $10 for the Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote ($49.99) and use the sleek remote and microphone button to speak to Alexa.  Be aware you may have to hold the mic button for 5-10 seconds in order to hear the familiar chrip, indicating Alexa is listening.

The Fire TV is always on when plugged into the battery.  The Fire TV will become warm while running.  Be sure to unplug the battery and recharge it with a micro-USB cable when not in use.  If you want to use external USB power, be sure to use one of the larger sized wall plug units, that can deliver adequate current.

Bring the party with you!  Make Alexa your DJ partner!  You can unplug the small speaker and patch in a bigger speaker system for a room-filling audio experience.

This project is a personal effort to explore the Fire TV Stick's capabilities.  It shares some features with each of Amazon's new compact Alexa devices, Tap and Dot, but is not meant to compete with or replace these fully-engineered audio devices.

Happy Hacking!