Residential technology company BuildingLink International has launched a new skill for the Amazon Alexa platform.

Users can now interact with buildings connected to BLI through Alexa-enabled devices to access building announcements, information on upcoming events and deliveries, as well as make maintenance requests, community updates or respond to surveys by simply asking Alexa.

BuildingLink International general manager Joe Marshall believes integrated living is the future of residential buildings worldwide.

“Simplicity and convenience is driving the smart home movement and Alexa will revitalise the way people interact with their home,” Joe says.

“We have been pioneers in creating the best residential community management software since inception, and it’s great to offer an innovative, fun new way for Australians to easily access BuildingLink’s portal via an Alexa-enabled device.

“The launch of our skill brings to life a higher standard of liveability and provides convenience, accessibility and value to the modern-day home.”

Joe adds that the integration of BuildingLink with Amazon Alexa will create interactive residential experiences that allows residents to speak to the building to easily access information.

“Through voice control, users can connect to the amenities of the building,” says Joe.

“Amazon Alexa can also be used in conjunction with our Aware! Fitness Centre Solution, which allows you to ask what equipment can be found in the gym, which machines are available for use, if the gym is busy, or what the temperature is in real-time and all via your BuildingLink App.

“Like all users of the Amazon voice activated technology, you simply activate the BuildingLink skill by saying ‘Alexa, open BuildingLink’. You can then interact with the skill by triggering actions such as, ‘Alexa, ask BuildingLink what kind of equipment is at the gym’.”

Content services include news bulletins and weather information, while users can play music, access local knowledge, follow favourite sports teams, read eBooks, play music, set timers and alarms, check calendars, and create shopping lists.

The BuildingLink skill for Alexa can be enabled from the Alexa app on smartphones and tablets and from the Alexa Skills store on the Amazon website. Once enabled and linked to their BuildingLink account, customers can access the skill on several Amazon devices recently launched in Australia, including the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Plus.