alexa_get_notificationsList active alarms, timers, and reminders across all Echo devices. Filter by type to view only alarms, timers, or reminders, helping you stay aware of scheduled notifications.
List active alarms, timers, and reminders across all Echo devices in the account.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | Filter notifications by type ("all", "Alarm", "Timer", "Reminder") | all |
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 states the tool lists active items across all devices, which implies a read-only, account-wide operation. However, it does not disclose whether the list is sorted, whether it includes only currently active items, or whether it returns device-specific details. For a simple read tool, this is adequate but not rich.
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 a single sentence with no wasted words. It front-loads the verb and resource, and the scope is stated clearly. Every word earns its place.
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?
For a simple list tool with one optional parameter and no output schema, the description is nearly complete. It covers the resource, scope, and filter. The only minor gap is that it doesn't describe the return format or whether the output includes device names, but given the tool's simplicity and the full schema coverage, this is a minor omission.
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%, and the single parameter 'type' is fully documented with an enum and default value. The description adds the context that the filter applies to 'alarms, timers, and reminders' but does not add meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate because the schema does the heavy lifting.
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 uses a specific verb ('List') with a clear resource ('active alarms, timers, and reminders') and scope ('across all Echo devices in the account'). It clearly distinguishes from siblings like alexa_set_reminder or alexa_play_sound, and the title reinforces the same meaning without being a tautology.
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?
The description implies a read-only query use case but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. It doesn't mention exclusions or conditions, such as 'use alexa_set_reminder to create a reminder' or 'use alexa_get_history for past notifications.' The context is clear enough for a simple list tool, but no explicit routing guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.