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J Allard, a former Microsoft executive instrumental in the development of the Zune music player and pivotal in ushering the company into the gaming industry with the original Xbox and Xbox 360, has now joined Amazon as Vice President of the ZeroOne division, where he will spearhead the creation of groundbreaking consumer products.
Although Amazon has yet to disclose specific details regarding the ZeroOne division’s objectives, job postings suggest the team will harness technologies such as computer vision to craft innovative smart home experiences.
It appears that the ZeroOne division may be integrated with Amazon’s Devices and Services group, led by former Microsoft executive Panos Panay. Products developed under ZeroOne may also incorporate Amazon’s newly introduced Alexa+ AI service, potentially redefining how users interact with technology.
Before joining Amazon at the end of 2024, J Allard spent nearly two decades at Microsoft. He played a key role in launching both the original Xbox and the Xbox 360, and contributed to the development of the Zune music player, the Kin mobile phone, and the Courier tablet prototype.
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