How to Use Cortana and Alexa Together
Just this month, Amazon and Microsoft made their voice assistants start talking to each other , and you can now use Cortana to access Alexa, and vice versa if you’re in the US. Newfound friendships open the door to much easier organization and management, as you don’t have to end up switching between the two to manage your personal or professional life. (If only all digital assistants could follow suit.)
Alexa-Cortana connectivity is pretty limited right now, most of the functionality only works on an Amazon Echo device, Windows 10 PC, or Harman Kardon Invoke speakers. However, Microsoft and Amazon have already included some cool features that you can try out right now, and they promise there will be many more in the future. Here’s how to get started:
Connect Cortana and Alexa
The easiest way to get Cortana and Alexa to talk to each other is to use the skills feature of the Alexa app. Open the app on your mobile device ( Android , iOS ) and click the menu icon in the top left corner, then select skills from the drop-down menu. Search for “Cortana” in the search bar at the top, select it from the results and select it to activate the skill. From here, simply sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your Cortana assistant to link them together.
Connect Alexa to Cortana
Optionally, you can also add Alexa through the Cortana assistant. Unlike the first option, this cannot be done on a mobile device, or even on an Xbox One that has Cortana built in. To get started, go to your Windows 10 computer, launch Cortana and ask to ” open Alexa .” A window will appear where you can link your Amazon account accordingly.
Also, it almost goes without saying, but you need to pair on both devices to be able to use Cortana on Alexa or Alexa on Cortana. For example, simply linking Alexa on Cortana won’t automatically connect them everywhere.
Skills to try with Cortana (when talking to Alexa)
When using Cortana through Alexa, the assistant is designed to perform your productivity functions, such as managing your schedule. Once you’ve opened Alexa and run the “Open Cortana” trigger phrase, you can ask her questions such as “What’s on my calendar?” or “What new emails do I have?” Cortana asks for information as if you were using the assistant directly on your PC. You can also ask him to add items to your Microsoft to-do lists.
Skills to try with Alexa via Cortana
There are a few more features you can try with Alexa through Cortana than the other way around. On a Windows 10 computer, say, “Hey Cortana, open up Alexa,” and her voice will greet you.
From here, you can ask Alexa many of the same questions as you would on your Echo device. Try asking Alexa to adjust your home thermostat while you’re on the go, and your temperature will change when you’re at home. You can also order groceries this way, assuming you will be there to pick them up later, and you can remotely turn on the lights in your home or check the Amazon order status.
Alexa (via Cortana) can also be used to check thingsnot directly related to your Amazon account , such as the weather or sports time, and you can even try games like Jeopardy.