While the original Xbox and Xbox 360 console utilizes the Kinect peripheral to control the Xbox with voice commands, but as the Xbox lacks built-in mic with which to “hear” voice commands, having to pay for additional peripheral and developer support resulted its dwindle.
Now, Microsoft is prepping an Xbox Skill that will grant Alexa and Cortana-powered speakers the ability to control the Xbox game console, since an always-listening smart speaker will serve as a better alternative.
The company announced that the Xbox Skill has been added to both Cortana and Alexa digital assistants, though not yet available for everyone, as it's still a work in progress.
Xbox Skill will allow gamers to issue commands to both assistants to control the Xbox game console, they will be able to give not just the basic commands such as turning it off/on, but also able to launch specific games via voice command.
The new Skill will also work via the apps on smartphone, Windows PC, or the smart speaker, like the Cortana-powered Amazon Echo.
Albeit, it is not yet clear if the oral commands will do, even though Microsoft says users can inquire from the Skill, like say: “Ask Xbox what can I say” for a list of further commands.
Microsoft, however is encouraging gamers to leave feedback on how to further improve the Xbox Skill's capabilities in controlling the Xbox game console.
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