Amazon has taken a lead over Google in the voice assistant market with Alexa. It started with the Echo smart speakers but they’re gradually moving to smartphones as well.
And next in their line of target is PCs. Amazon, after its recent (and an intriguing) partnership with Microsoft’s Cortana, looks to be spreading its voice beyond the regular devices.
Because of which, we’re seeing the first all-in-one (AIO) PC from HP that will support Alexa, apart from its built-in compatibility with Cortana.
The PC-maker will offer the Alexa app out of box on its 34-inch portable computer. “Alexa app will be pre-installed on the computer which will let users call up the assistant and see any information like weather forecasts, music albums and more on display.”
According to the global media, this product doesn’t have a launch date but is likely to hit the market by end of the year. Having said that, the product, even before its launch, has courted controversy.
Strangely, the HP AIO does not include a mute button. Which means, there is no quick way to turn the assistant on and off, something which even the Echo range of speakers let you do.
Amazon has been pushing its case for Alexa to reach all devices, helping them form a unified ecosystem. They’re already partnering with various smart home solution brands like Philips, D-Link and Syska among others.
But Microsoft is witnessing a major conundrum, after marketing their voice assistant, Cortana, as well. Which is why their decision to join hands with Alexa, even for their Cortana-running PCs doesn’t really add up.
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