E-commerce giant Amazon has released an online version of its Alexa smart device platform that you can now access via your internet browser at Echosim.io.

The new tool uses your computer’s microphone to listen to commands much like the real Amazon Echo device, but there are a few features that are unavailable on the browser version, most notably Echo’s far-field voice recognition capability and its streaming music features.

The browser version of Alexa is based off of a program developed by Sam Machin, who created the project during a hackathon last year.

It is unclear exactly how useful the virtual Echo will be for end users since it is missing a number of the features available on the physical hardware, but Machin noted in a blog post that it can be also a useful tool for third-party developers to test out their apps from anywhere using their web browser.

“I’ve found this really useful for testing out Alexa integrations and developing new skills, as I can have it open on my desktop and not have to shout to the Echo downstairs,” Machin said. “It’s also another option for accessing Alexa when you are out if you have an Android phone.”

In addition to helping out developers, Echosim could also be a good way for users to try out some of Echo’s functionality without having to drop $179.99 on the device, making it easier for users to determine if the product is worth buying.

Image courtesy of Amazon