alexa_announceSend a spoken announcement to a specific Echo device by providing its serial number and the message text. The message is spoken aloud on that device.
Send a voice announcement to a specific Echo device. The message will be spoken aloud.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| message | Yes | The message to announce | |
| serialNumber | Yes | Serial number of the Echo device (use alexa_list_devices to find it) |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.2.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states that the message will be spoken aloud, omitting side effects (e.g., do not disturb status), return value, or error handling.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise with two sentences, front-loading the action and outcome without any redundant information. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of an output schema and the presence of a similar sibling (alexa_speak_ssml), the description does not address return values, failure modes, or constraints (e.g., message length limits). It is incomplete for a full understanding of the tool's behavior.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% with both parameters having clear descriptions in the schema. The tool description does not add new semantic information beyond what the schema provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Send a voice announcement'), the target resource ('specific Echo device'), and the outcome ('message spoken aloud'). It distinguishes from siblings like alexa_speak_ssml and alexa_text_command by specifying 'announcement' and 'spoken aloud'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs. alternatives (e.g., alexa_speak_ssml). The description does not mention prerequisites like using alexa_list_devices to obtain the serial number, though that is hinted in the parameter description.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.