J Allard Joins Amazon as Vice President

J Allard, co-founder of Xbox, has joined Amazon as vice president of its devices and services team, overseeing products like Alexa, Echo, and Luna. Reporting to Panos Panay, a former Microsoft executive, Allard's specific responsibilities at Amazon remain unclear, but he expressed excitement about 'new ideas' he will contribute to. Allard's extensive background includes launching major products at Microsoft, such as Xbox Live and the Zune, and leading Project 529, a nonprofit aimed at reducing bike theft. His appointment comes as Amazon seeks to enhance its consumer electronics division amid increasing competition. Although it's uncertain if Allard will directly engage with Amazon's gaming efforts, his experience in the industry positions him as a significant asset for future innovations. Allard's prior roles exemplify his capacity for pioneering advancements in both gaming and technology sectors.