https://qz.com/1065798/microsoft-msft-and-amazon-amzn-made-a-zero-stakes-deal-to-foist-more-virtual-assistants-on-you/

Later this year, you’ll be able to summon Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana, through Amazon’s Alexa. And if you’re using a Windows computer, you’ll be able to push aside Cortana for Alexa.

Amazon and Microsoft announced the collaboration today in a synchronized swan dive of press releases, shortly followed by a feature in the New York Times. The companies say that Alexa is good for shopping, Cortana is good for office tasks; why not work together? While consumers don’t use voice assistants enough to make a dent in either company’s bottom line, they play an important role in each company’s future.