J Allard, the co-founder of Xbox and a veteran in the tech industry, has officially joined Amazon as vice president of its Devices and Services division.
Known for his pioneering work at Microsoft, Allard’s new role at Amazon signals exciting developments for the company, especially within its technology ecosystem, which includes popular products like Alexa and Echo devices.
According to a report from GeekWire, the first hint of Allard’s career transition emerged from his LinkedIn profile, where his latest position was updated to reflect his new role as “VP, Product – Amazon.”
Amazon later confirmed the news, stating that Allard has become part of their Devices and Services team. This division oversees several of Amazon’s most well-known products, including Alexa voice assistants, Echo smart speakers, Fire tablets, and more.
A Legend in the Gaming World
J Allard’s name is synonymous with some of the biggest milestones in gaming. He spent 19 years at Microsoft, starting in 1991, where he made an indelible mark on the company’s entertainment and devices division.
As the chief experience officer and chief technology officer, he co-founded the Xbox project, which led to the launch of the first Xbox console in 2001, revolutionising the gaming industry.
His contributions didn’t stop there—he was also instrumental in developing Xbox Live, which took multiplayer gaming to new heights, and the Xbox 360, which became one of the most successful gaming consoles of its time.
Allard’s work at Microsoft spanned a range of technologies beyond gaming. He helped launch over 40 products, including the Zune portable media player and played a pivotal role in shaping Windows NT and Microsoft’s TCP/IP protocol.
His diverse contributions have earned him a reputation as a visionary in the tech industry.
New Chapter at Amazon
Now at Amazon, Allard will bring his vast experience and innovative thinking to a new set of challenges. Speaking to The Verge, Allard confirmed his role but indicated that it’s still too early to discuss any specific projects or future plans.
He mentioned that Amazon is focused on exploring “new ideas” and hinted at exciting developments down the line.
Amazon’s Devices and Services division has already made a significant impact with products like Alexa and the Echo line.
With Allard on board, there’s speculation that Amazon may be looking to push the envelope further in terms of product innovation and integration across its ecosystem.
Beyond Microsoft
After his departure from Microsoft in 2010, Allard did not fade away from the tech scene. He founded his own company, Project 529, a community-driven initiative aimed at tackling bike theft and encouraging cycling.
The project became a popular tool for cyclists worldwide, further showcasing Allard’s ability to innovate in various sectors.
In 2020, Allard briefly re-entered the gaming industry by joining Intellivision Entertainment as the global managing director. However, he left the company a year later, keeping his next move under wraps until now.
What Lies Ahead?
While the exact nature of J Allard’s role at Amazon remains unclear, his track record of launching groundbreaking products has already sparked anticipation.
His ability to innovate across different technological fields makes him a valuable asset to Amazon, which continues to expand its dominance in smart home technology, voice-assisted devices, and other consumer electronics.