This integration can be tested by Alexa and Cortana users starting end of 2017. So, users can utilize Alexa-based devices to use features owned Cortana.
Users of Cortana-based devices can also do the opposite. Just by saying "Alexa, open Cortana" to the Echo smart speaker device, or "Cortana, open Alexa" to Windows 10 device, the user can automatically access the features of each virtual assistant.
Integration also allows both virtual assistants to do some special skills, such as accessing the calendar, setting up reminders or reading emails.
Alexa's integration in Cortana is claimed to provide users access to utilize about 20,000 types of Alexa capabilities and controls to a number of Alexa-based smart devices in addition to Echo.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, the presence of Cortana to all Amazon devices a top priority for him. "Bringing Cortana's features and knowledge, Office 365 integration, and reminders to Alexa is our best step towards achieving," Nadella said.
On the same occasion, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos also welcomed cooperation between the two sides to integrate Cortana and Alexa.
"Together, their strengths Cortana and Alexa will complement each other, as well as helping consumers experience a richer experience.Ucho users are now able to access Cortana," said Bezos.
Cortana was originally present exclusively for Windows Phone devices. Over time Microsoft finally decided not to limit Cortana on Windows Phone. Alexa even reap the high popularity of only 800 thousand users in May 2016 to 2.6 million in 2017. According to research Verto, user interaction with Alexa is now more consistent than 2016.
