Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa can now help you interact with your Xbox Series X or Series S. Download the Alexa for Xbox app and you can put down the controller. However, the Xbox Alexa app should be able to help if you plan to watch TV or lend an extra hand for your gaming needs.

Like most Alexa-centric apps, Alexa for Xbox relies on voice commands to perform a variety of actions. By downloading the app for free and connecting it to a compatible Alexa device, you can sync that device with your gaming console. The result A set of commands for Alexa that make your Xbox experience smoother; Alexa can even turn the system on and off for you by saying "Alexa, Turn on/off Xbox."

Many of the Alexa app's features relate to launching specific software or controlling it when it is open. For example, if your Xbox is turned on, Alexa can launch games on your behalf ("Alexa, Launch Fortnite on Xbox") or check services like Xbox Game Pass to scan for new titles. While gaming, you can ask Alexa to record the moment, check to see if your friends are online, or switch to an entertainment app like Netflix when the game is over.

The Xbox Alexa app could tell you where to stock the Xbox Series X.

Alexa for Xbox goes beyond supporting game-centric features. It can also be used on smart TVs, allowing users to play music while watching TV or playing games, check their smart home cameras, and view email. [For example, with an Alexa-enabled video doorbell, you can have Alexa for Xbox show you who is at the door ("Alexa, show me the front door camera") or show you the weather forecast before you leave ("Alexa, show me the weather forecast"). It can also view calendar and e-mail, and play a particular artist on the music app of your choice from the console.

Of course, Alexa support has been available on Xbox systems for some time. Previously, however, it was not possible to cross-function between Alexa devices and Xbox. Now the two can work together, essentially sharing a platform: the Xbox Alexa app is available for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles.