DIY Voice Response for you Almond+

[SecureComp]

There are several ways to setup a Voice Response System for your Almond device.

One quick and easy method is to use a MAC device running OSX Mavericks or Yosemite.

Steps:

• Compile and Install the Improved Sample Switch App
• Create SSH keys on your MAC
• Use Dropbear to install SSH keys on Almond
• Write a shell script to ssh from your MAC to the Almond and execute the 'switch' command for a given device(s)
• Create an Automator WorkFlow or Application to call the shell script, add whatever voice feedback you want
• Use Dictation Speakable Command to launch your Workflow or Application

Using this method it is easy to manage one or more switches to turn on, off, or set to a predetermined dimmer level.
You can also set Home or Away and any number of other configurations.

The same method can be used on a PC but instead of Automator you would use something like Dragon's SDK kit or any other VR that will allow you to kick off a batch file.

If you are using LINUX there are a myriad of methods available to you.

Yes, there are many commercial products available, some stand alone, some not, all that cost several hundred dollars, but you can do this for free if desired.

[SecureComp]

An example for an OSX Automator Script:
NOTE:
Assumes you have compiled the switch app without continuous output of callbacks, meaning the switch app exits after running.
Assumes you have created the SSH Keys and installed them in Dropbear on the Almond+

Get Specified Text
-text of verbal response to acknowledge receipt of command

Speak Text
-your MAC talks to you using the above text as a response, choice which Voice you want MAC to use

Run Shell Script (shell is /bin/bash)
ssh root@10.10.10.254 /almond/switch 6 1
ssh root@10.10.10.254 /almond/switch 7 1
ssh root@10.10.10.254 /almond/switch 5 1
ssh root@10.10.10.254 /almond/switch 8 1
NOTE: the above commands turns on Device ID's 6,7,5 and 8. The switch command was compiled to not include continuously listing callbacks. See notes in Improved Switch App thread

Get Specified Text
-text of verbal response to let you know command has been completed

Speak Text
-says above text in the voice of your choice


Save the Automator script as an Application.

Use Dictation to "make this speakable" to make the Automator Application a recognized voice command, for example, "Turn on all the lights".