Microsoft is putting Cortana everywhere, except in new hardware
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ask someone which digital voice assistant they use most and they're likely to mention Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa or even Google Now. Only a few might include Microsoft Cortana on that list.
But Microsoft wants to make Cortana more a part of the conversation. During Microsoft's Build developer conference keynote on Monday, which ushered in the next big version of Windows (Windows Anniversary Update), the company revealed new update to its voice-activated software.
Microsoft is adding new features developers will be able to incorporate Cortana into future software, including the ability to work with Skype and Xbox One, as a part of the Windows 10 Anniversary update. While it's unclear if this could lead to a greater Cortana initiative in the future -- although we've been told you'll be able to use Cortana to control smart objects in the home ("Cortana, turn off the lights") -- this could be the first step.
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Other Cortana updates include deeper calendar integration, so you can better track flights and commitments discussed in email. It'll call out conflicts too, if you overbook meetings, and ask if you want to add emailed recipients, such as one from Uber, to an expense report.
You'll also be able to talk with Cortana to book trips and even shop with the help of a bot, in a concept that's reminiscent of Facebook's assistant M.
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More integration points to the obvious question about standalone Cortana hardware. After all, if Cortana can emerge from the PC, surely it can grow to Amazon's Alexa-like prominence. However, for now at least, Microsoft has nothing to share on that front. All Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi, corporate VP of Windows and devices, tells us that it's "nothing we'll announce at Build."
If you're running Windows 10, you’ve probably seen Cortana, but there's a good chance you haven't enabled voice search, and you're not alone. Perhaps it’s because Cortana lives, primarily, on your PC and, even by Microsoft's own measure, its voice-assistant software hasn't exactly broken through.
"Our data shows the average user doesn’t use it a lot," Mehdi told Mashable.
But today's updates provide a glimmer of hope for Cortana's future.
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Lance Ulanoff was Chief Correspondent and Editor-at-Large of Mashable. Lance acted as a senior member of the editing team, with a focus on defining internal and curated opinion content. He also helped develop staff-wide alternative story-telling skills and implementation of social media tools during live events. Prior to joining Mashable in September 2011 Lance Ulanoff served as Editor in Chief of PCMag.com and Senior Vice President of Content for the Ziff Davis, Inc. While there, he guided the brand to a 100% digital existence and oversaw content strategy for all of Ziff Davis’ Web sites. His long-running column on PCMag.com earned him a Bronze award from the ASBPE. Winmag.com, HomePC.com and PCMag.com were all been honored under Lance’s guidance.He makes frequent appearances on national, international, and local news programs including Fox News, the Today Show, Good Morning America, Kelly and Michael, CNBC, CNN and the BBC.He has also offered commentary on National Public Radio and been interviewed by newspapers and radio stations around the country. Lance has been an invited guest speaker at numerous technology conferences including SXSW, Think Mobile, CEA Line Shows, Digital Life, RoboBusiness, RoboNexus, Business Foresight and Digital Media Wire’s Games and Mobile Forum.
