The Xbox One is reportedly getting Alexa and Google Assistant support

Xbox One digital assistant integration

While you can already use Cortana to control your Xbox One with your voice, the death of the Kinect and Cortana’s limited skill set mean it isn’t the most practical option. But that could change for the better, with Windows Central revealing evidence of Alexa and Google Assistant integration with Microsoft’s gaming console.

With both digital assistants available, users won’t need to use the Kinect or a headset to issue voice commands, but make use of smart speakers they may already have.

Alexa and Google Assistant support on the Xbox One | Image courtesy: Windows Central

Alexa and Google Assistant support on the Xbox One | Image courtesy: Windows Central

Windows Central reports that upcoming Xbox One consoles will have a new “Digital Assistants” section from where users will be able to enable the AI they want, then install the skills for that particular platform.

It is as yet unclear exactly what commands will be available, but we can hope that media controls would be a no-brainer for Microsoft to adopt. So launching Netflix or turning down the volume while watching a movie won’t require wearing a headset.

Although there seems to be hard evidence suggesting the expansion of voice control for the Xbox One, plans can always change, so we’ll just have to wait for the official announcement – which could be at E3 or later this year – before we begin to rejoice.

[Via Windows Central]

Sharmishta Sarkar
Managing Editor (APAC)

Sharmishta is TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor and loves all things photography, something she discovered while chasing monkeys in the wilds of India (she studied to be a primatologist but has since left monkey business behind). While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, she's also an avid reader and has become a passionate proponent of ereaders, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about the convenience of these underrated devices. When she's not testing camera kits or the latest in e-paper tablets, she's discovering the joys and foibles of smart home gizmos. She's also the Australian Managing Editor of Digital Camera World and, if that wasn't enough, she contributes to T3 and Tom's Guide, while also working on two of Future's photography print magazines Down Under.