Newztalkies.com: Xbox Cofounder J Allard Joins Amazon Team

Pradeep KumarOctober 4, 2024

J Allard, the cofounder of Xbox, has embarked on a new journey by joining Amazon as a vice president within the company’s devices and services team. This exciting transition, announced last month, signals Allard’s return to the tech industry, where he has made significant contributions over the past two decades.

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A New Chapter at Amazon

In an email to live Newztalkies.com, Allard expressed enthusiasm about his new role at Amazon, stating, “It’s too early to have anything to say about what I’ll be working on, but I’m excited about exploring new ideas.” Reporting to Panos Panay, the former chief of Windows and Surface, Allard will be part of a team focused on innovative device solutions.

Allard’s Legacy at Microsoft

J Allard’s history with Microsoft is noteworthy. He played a pivotal role in cofounding the Xbox division, launching Xbox Live, and developing the Xbox 360 console. His efforts helped to shape the gaming industry, making Xbox a household name. Additionally, he oversaw the development of the Zune, Microsoft’s attempt to compete with Apple’s iPod.

The Courier Experience

Allard’s departure from Microsoft in 2010 followed his work on the Courier tablet, a project that faced internal conflicts. The Courier concept, which aimed to blend pen and touch technology into a digital notepad, was never officially launched. The cancellation of the Courier was reportedly due to disagreements within Microsoft, particularly between Allard’s team and the Windows group led by Steven Sinofsky.

A Shift in Focus

After leaving Microsoft, Allard dedicated much of his time to Project 529, an organization aimed at combating bike theft through community engagement. Earlier this year, Project 529 was acquired by Two Three Bird, allowing Allard to redirect his energy towards “some new ideas” at Amazon.

Conclusion

As J Allard steps into his new role at Amazon, the tech community eagerly awaits to see what innovative concepts he will bring to life. His track record at Microsoft and passion for technology position him well to make a significant impact once again. live Newztalkies.com will continue to monitor Allard’s developments at Amazon and report on the exciting changes ahead.