• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TheAppTimes

App Reviews, Tutorials, & Gadget News Hub

  • Gadgets
  • How To
  • Apps
  • Software
  • IT
  • Guides
  • Gaming
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home » Deals and Promotions » Say hello to Cortana, Microsoft’s Idea of Your Personal Assistant

Say hello to Cortana, Microsoft’s Idea of Your Personal Assistant

April 3, 2014

You know what the problem with the mobile personal assistants of today is: they don’t have a face, even a virtual one to talk to. When you talk to Google Now, do you see yourself looking into the eyes of a big G. And what image does Siri conjure up? Nothing? Microsoft’s latest venture into the world of virtual personal assistants looks far more interesting, simply because Microsoft appears to have made an attempt to personalize it.

Cortana gets its name from the fictional AI assistant in the Halo video game series. And just like in the game, Jen Taylor lends her voice talent to the mobile platform. Cortana is represented on Windows Phone 8.1 as an orb or a halo and users will be able to interact with Cortana either by talking or by typing. Cortana will ask you questions, analyze and learn your behavior and provide suggestions based on the analysis.

Cortana in Halo 4

Cortana in Halo

image credit

You will be able to launch Cortana from a Live tile or by hitting the Search button on the device. Microsoft says that if you ask Cortana a question she may answer you verbally to the point that it sounds like a natural conversation. You’ll receive information such as like flight timings, weather reports, the latest news, and even traffic information in your daily commute routes and times. Imagine an assistant who can tell you to pack up early for your New York flight when there’s a good chance that you’ll be stuck in rush hour traffic if you left at your usual, planned time.

ALSO READ:  Use Cortana with INSTEON for Smarter Home Automation

Cortana can also understand when you don’t want to be disturbed. The Quiet Hours setting will let her silence your incoming calls and notifications, unless it is from people in your “inner circle”. This truly valuable assistant will also be able to let you set reminders about people, so that when you speak to someone  the next time around Cortana will tell you what you need to discuss with that person.

Cortana’s analysis of you interests will be recorded in a notebook, and you will be in control of what it contains. That makes it more flexible and reliable.

Cortana will be powered by Bing and will be integrated with plenty of Microsoft apps including Skype. Third party developers will also be open to integrate Cortana with their Windows apps.

Cortana on Windows 8.1

cortana in windows 8.1

image credit

Cortana will become available as a beta in the Windows 8.1 update, when it is rolled out this summer (May or June). Windows phones launched this month will have Cortana preinstalled on the devices. However, it is not certain when Cortana will become available on Windows and Xbox One devices. Windows Phone users in Asia however, may have to wait until 2015 to get access to Cortana. Despite being a tech savvy chic, Cortana will need time to figure out the ga-zillion Asian accents available in the region. For anyone keen to give it an early look, there’s always the option to change the region to U.S.

Tweet
Share12
WhatsApp
Pin3
Buffer6
21 Shares

Filed Under: Deals and Promotions, How To, Software and Web Apps Tagged With: cortana

You May Also Like

How to Create Reminders in Windows 10 Using Cortana
How to Create Reminders in Windows 10 Using Cortana
Cortana Tips and Tricks for Windows 10 fi
Get the Most Out of Cortana With These Tips and Tricks
How to Use Cortana as a Calculator in Windows 10

About Adeline Gear

Adeline is a tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest tools and applications in the marketplace. She also loves her Android and spends time reviewing apps and playing games when she has the time.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hottest New Gadgets!

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro - TAT

iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Pro: Which One Should You Choose?

iPhone 15 Pro- TAT

Performance Meets Elegance: Meet the iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15- TAT

iPhone 15 Unveiled: A Closer Look at Apple’s Latest Flagship

Lenovo Legion Go - TAT

Lenovo Legion Go: A Powerful Windows Gaming Handheld Launching in Oct 2023

Best Accessories for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 - TAT

The Best Accessories for the Galaxy Z Fold 5

Popular Tags

android android apps android games android how to apple casino games chrome extensions excel excel how to facebook fitness wearable gadgets gaming gmail google ios apps ios games ios how to ios tips ipad iphone kids apps learn excel management microsoft new releases outlook how to photo apps powerpoint how to productivity Samsung security smartphone smartphones smartwatches software tablet tablets technology twitter web browsers windows 10 word how to xbox youtube

Disclosure

TheAppTimes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Personalize Your Hardware with Razer Skins - TAT

Personalize and Protect Your Gaming Hardware with these Stylish Razer Skins

Best Controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming - TAT

Best Controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Starfield - TAT

Starfield: Get Ready to Experience a New Frontier in Gaming

Razer Cobra Pro - TAT

Razer Cobra Pro: A Great Gaming Mouse for Competitive Gamers

Best gaming monitors 2023 - TAT

The Best Gaming Monitors for a Truly Immersive Experience

Hot on Amazon

TheAppTimes © 2023 // Runs on StudioPress

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Template Gallery