Build Amazon's amazing Echo speaker with just a Raspberry Pi

An Amazon employee has revealed instructions for making Amazon’s Echo speaker at a fraction of the cost using a Raspberry Pi. Oversimplifying the description, Amazon’s Echo is a voice-controlled speaker that is connected to the Internet. To build the speaker you’ll need at least a Raspberry Pi 2, a USB microphone, a speaker and a few other components. All things considered, you should be able to build the device for less than Rs 5,000. That’s a sweet deal for a device that retails for Rs 20,000 here. Amazon’s Echo is a hands-free speaker that works on voice commands (like Google Now or Siri on steroids) and gives you information on anything you ask, plays music, checks your calendar and a lot more. The device uses beam-forming technology and microphones to identify your voice even from across a room. The DIY Echo has the same functionality, minus the voice activation. You’ll need to push a button to activate it. Still, this is just one more reason to add to your “Why I need a Raspberry Pi” list. A minimum of programming experience and a desire to tinker is all you need. So what are you waiting for?