Amazon is reportedly set to hire Panos Panay, the departing Microsoft product chief who played a key role in Microsoft’s hardware endeavors, including the Surface computers. Panay is expected to head the division responsible for Amazon’s popular Alexa voice assistant and Echo smart speakers. Dave Limp, Amazon’s long-serving hardware chief, announced his retirement last month. This move comes as Amazon prepares for its annual new devices event, where it unveils its latest tech offerings. The division in question also handles Fire TV sticks, tablets, and the Kindle e-reader. Amazon and Microsoft have not officially commented on the hiring.