Amazon.com Inc. today launched a preview of “Amazon Common Software for Devices,” meant to make it easier for developers to integrate the Amazon Device software development kit with their devices.

The software is already running on Amazon devices such as the Echo Dot smart speaker and the Amazon Smart Oven. It helps by streamlining the process of implementing functions such as authentication, connectivity and networking, Amazon Senior Product Manager Akashvir Mann said in a blog post.

ACS should help developers save time, as they typically need to implement the Amazon SDK’s application programming interface, or compatibility layer, for common functions such as Wi-Fi management. The problem with that is that API integration layers vary by SDK, which means anyone using multiple Amazon SDKs would need to perform separate development and testing efforts for each one.

ACS allows developers to use a single API integration layer for multiple Amazon Device SDKs, the company said. At present though it only supports two of the company’s SDKs – the AWS IoT Device SDK and the Frustration-Free Setup SDK – with support for the Alexa Voice Service Device SDK to be added later in the year.

Another benefit of ACS is it provides pre-validated, memory-optimized components for functions such as authentication, connectivity and networking. It also comes with test suites for debugging device software.

Image: Amazon