Amazon on Thursday (Nov. 8) launched an Alexa app for Windows 10 PCs, enabling PC owners to use voice commands to get Alexa to perform tasks.
According to a report, with the Alexa app for Windows 10 PCs, users can have Alexa set reminders, timers and alarms; create lists; get news and weather; manage calendar appointments; play music and access other information. The move on the part Amazon is the latest evidence of its push to free Alexa from its Echo line of speakers.
Amazon already has an Alexa app for mobile devices. The app for Windows 10 PCs also provides consumers with access to tens of thousands of Alexa skills. It is available in the U.S., U.K. and Germany now, and will launch in more locations next year.
This past summer, Amazon and Microsoft rolled out a public preview of their plans to integrate Alexa and Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-activated digital assistant. With the integration, users can use Amazon Echo devices to access many of Cortana’s features, such as checking a calendar, booking a meeting and reading email, among other tasks.
In order to access Cortana on an Echo device, users say “Alexa, open Cortana” and they will be connected directly to Cortana. Customers with a compatible Windows 10 device or Harman Kardon Invoke speaker can also access features they use on Alexa, such as controlling smart home devices, checking the status of orders and accessing tens of thousands of skills built by third-party developers. To get started, customers, say, “Hey Cortana, open Alexa” or click the microphone button and say, “Open Alexa.”
Alexa will be available to U.S. customers on Windows 10 devices and Harman Kardon Invoke speakers, and Cortana will be available on Amazon Echo devices like Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Plus, Echo Show and Echo Spot.
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