Amazon launching an visual alexa app for Xbox consoles

Amazon is releasing a visual Alexa app for Microsoft’s Xbox consoles, but you’ll need another device to actually use voice commands on your linked Xbox.

The app runs directly on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S console.

This could be a staggered launch Amazon has said that the software will become available to download from the Microsoft Store “in the coming days,” as per Engadget.

For what it’s worth, it was listed in the store at the time of writing, but we couldn’t download it yet. Before you can use the app, you’ll need to activate Alexa Skills through the Amazon website, in the mobile Alexa app, or via voice command on a compatible device.

Example Voice Commands

With the app, you can use the power of your own voice to turn your Xbox on or off, launch your favorite game, binge-watch a show, check the weather forecast, and more.

Alexa voice commands for xbox

• “Alexa, turn on/off my Xbox”
• “Alexa, launch Fortnite on Xbox”
• “Alexa, what’s new on Game Pass”
• “Alexa, open Netflix on Xbox”
• “Alexa, tell Xbox to pause/resume”
• “Alexa, tell Xbox to record that”
• “Alexa, ask Xbox is [friend/gamertag] online?”

Alexa commands results in Xbox user interface

• “Alexa, play on Xbox”
• “Alexa, show me the front door camera”
• “Alexa, show me my email”
• “Alexa, show me my calendar”
• “Alexa, show me the weather”

You can still use the usual Xbox controls with the new Alexa app.

Non-Cortana Assistants on Xbox

The Xbox used to exclusively support Microsoft’s own Cortana voice assistant. Thankfully, Microsoft a few years ago opened up the Xbox to other voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Since 2018, Xbox owners have been able to navigate the entirety of the Xbox user interface via Alexa-enabled devices by using the Xbox Skill.

The new Alexa app provides additional interactions whilst also enabling Echo Show-like visual features. It seems worth the effort, especially if you want to be able to do things like asking Alexa to show your doorbell camera’s video on the linked Xbox.