Build 2018: Microsoft Cortana to soon work with Amazon Alexa

Microsoft will also expand its digital assistant, Cortana to more devices.

Microsoft Cortana will be available on more devices soon. (Microsoft)

Microsoft at Build 2018 finally revived its AI-based assistant, Cortana. Microsoft had launched its digital assistant back in 2014 but it hasn't really taken off as much as Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant has.

Microsoft Cortana is compatible with devices running Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone 8.1, Invoke smart speaker, Microsoft Band, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and Windows Mixed Reality. Microsoft has now announced that Cortana will be available to more devices, especially Office 365.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that the company is working on a new version of Cortana which will enable it to talk to other AIs. Cortana is also currently being developed to work with Amazon's digital assistant, Alexa.

Microsoft demonstrated the developing technology on stage tonight. Amazon Alexa was asked what it thinks about Cortana to which it replies, "I like Cortana. We both have experience with light rings, although hers is more of a #Halo." The pun here is about the AI character Cortana in Microsoft Xbox game Halo.

Cortana on Alexa can be summoned by using the command, "Alexa, open Cortana". You can then follow up with commands to Cortana which may not be possible with Alexa. Microsoft will also allow this cross-platform feature for Alexa on Cortana. Users can also use Alexa within Cortana on Windows 10 devices.

This feature is currently in beta mode and Microsoft is currently working on it. The company has launched a dedicated website where interested users can subscribe to get latest updates on the Cortana-Alexa integration.