Xbox One Could Soon Support Alexa and Google Assistant, According to Leaked Image

Xbox One owners could soon be able to dictate instructions through their Alexa- and Google Assistant-powered speakers, at least according to a recent leak.

Reports have shared a leaked screenshot of an Xbox One with the option to “Enable digital assistants.”

According to Windows Central, which was the first to report on the possibility, the leaked screenshot came from a “reliable source” who has knowledge of an ongoing partnership between Amazon and Microsoft to link Alexa and Cortana services.

The same report added that the use of digital assistants other than Cortana is likely to roll out with upcoming system updates. Once the feature is available, Windows Central’s source said Xbox One users will have to install a skills app to incorporate the digital assistants’ services into the console.

Prior to the report, Xbox One users already had an option to use voice command through Microsoft’s Cortana. However, the more convenient way to use Cortana on the Xbox One was with motion-sensing input devices under the Kinect lineup, which became obsolete in 2017. So the addition of support for speakers with digital assistants from other companies is seen as Microsoft’s solution to the issues posed by the discontinuation of Kinect devices.

Meanwhile, without Kinect devices, Xbox One users can access Cortana features by using a microphone-equipped headset. Some users may find it inconvenient especially when the Xbox One is being used for non-gaming purposes like streaming movies.

The use of speakers with digital assistants has become more common in many households in different countries in the past couple of years. And this could be one of the ways that Microsoft saw as a chance to provide more convenience and accessibility to Xbox One gamers.

Microsoft is yet to confirm the addition of Alexa and Google Assistant support on the Xbox One. So, naturally, the features that could arrive with the rumored update are still under wraps. However, observers speculate that these digital assistants will allow Xbox One owners to dictate controls for media-related contents.