Plex just released a really cool Alexa skill. However, the issue is, it only works if the TV is on and Plex is launched. So, I can say "Alexa, ask Plex to play West World" and it would work if my TV and Plex is running.
I'm using OpenHAB2 with a Harmony Hub, SonyTV Binding and hue hub emulation for Alexa integration. Turning on the TV via Alexa isn't a problem. I can even launch Netflix (because their is a Netflix button on my remote which I can send via the harmony hub).
My issue or question is, how can I launch Plex? Any ideas?
My only thought right now, it to send the "Home" button, followed by some arrow keys to find the Plex app on Android TV interface and sending a "enter".
Ideally, I'm looking for a "Alexa, turn on Plex", which will turn on my TV if it isn't already on and launch Plex. Then I can say "Alexa, ask Plex to play X".
"Alexa, turn on Plex" - would run a OpenHab2 rule, that would turn on the TV, and launch Plex. Launch Plex is the part I need help figuring out how to do. Any help or suggestion is appreciated. Thanks
Download this to your TV and pair your Harmony Hub to the TV as a Windows PC. You can keep the TV also as an IR device as well for other commands. Setting the TV as a Windows PC will make you pair it to the Harmony Hub over Bluetooth. The Harmony hub will then be a Keyboard to the TV. Keep in mind this totally will mess up the on screen keyboard as the Multilanguage Keymap Redefiner has to be set as the default keyboard for Android.
Using Multilanguage Keymap Redefiner you can remap any button on any attached keyboard to launch apps. Set Plex to launch with any of the F buttons (F1,F2, F3, etc...) on the Harmony hub Keyboard. Now you want to create a new Activity on the Harmony Hub. The new activity will do exactly what you want. It will turn everything on and press F1 on the "Windows PC" device you set up. Plex should now be launched and the Alexa Skill should work.
If you need the onscreen keyboard I suggest just using the Android TV remote app to type things in unless your Sony remote also has a keyboard. You can also use this setup to launch any app you want via a direct button press or another activity.