Microsoft and Amazon recently entered an interesting partnership which allowed Xbox users to get more from their consoles via Alexa. Now, the two companies appear to be deepening the bond further by allowing gamers to command their Xbox to download Xbox Game Pass games via Alexa.

When Alexa and the Xbox Game Pass Collide

The Verge first reported on the news of this new feature. Now, when you link your Xbox to Amazon Alexa, you can give voice commands to download games via the Xbox Game Pass. This is as easy as saying, "Alexa, download [game title] from Xbox Game Pass."

If you're wondering why Alexa is suddenly allowing you to connect an Xbox account to it, the two companies recently enjoyed a partnership that let you combine both services. You'll need the Xbox Alexa app before you can download games, but the app also comes with a bunch of handy features too.

Related: Amazon Is Launching an Alexa App for Xbox

For instance, you can use Alexa to turn your console on, record gameplay moments, or ask what's new on the Xbox Game Pass. You can also ask Alexa to show you the front-door camera or your emails, and the relevant information will appear on your Xbox screen.

Currently, only US users can download and use this new feature. However, both companies hope to roll it out worldwide at a future date.

Microsoft's Gradual Removal of Cortana

Sharp users may be a little confused as to why Microsoft allows Alexa on its platform. After all, Microsoft has its own voice-activated assistant called Cortana. Why isn't the Redmond giant relying on its own hardware?

As it turns out, Microsoft isn't feeling so hot about Cortana as an all-purpose assistant anymore. Instead, it's deciding to turn Cortana into a more productivity-focused tool.

As such, the company is making moves to remove Cortana where it's not needed. Surprisingly, this includes the mobile market, as Microsoft discontinued the mobile Cortana app back at the end of March 2021.

Related: Microsoft Officially Silences Cortana on Android and iOS Devices

As a result, don't be too surprised to see Microsoft adopting third-party voice assistants like Alexa. It appears that the company is more interested in fleshing out Cortana for Windows 10 instead of butting heads with the big leagues like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Move Over Cortana, Here Comes Alexa

While Microsoft isn't so keen on pushing Cortana as the next big voice assistant, it isn't against working with other companies to achieve its goals. US users can now ask Alexa to download Xbox Game Pass games to their consoles, and who knows what else the partnership has in store?

If you've got an Alexa, or you're thinking of getting one for its new Xbox functionality, why not check out some more gadgets that work with Alexa's assistant? Thanks to the popularity of the Echo and Echo Show line, there are plenty of devices out there that can heed your beck and call through Alexa.

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