Microsoft unveils Cortana, its Siri-like digital voice assistant

Saqib Shah

April 2, 2014

Microsoft has just announced Cortana, a new voice search tool for Windows Phone 8.1 powered by Bing at its Build 2014 developer’s conference – currently taking place in San Francisco.

Cortana fully replaces the search function in Windows Phone, and you’ll be able to access it (her?) through a special Live Tile.

On top of finding things, it can make calls, send texts, take notes, give reminders and set alarms. Microsoft said it’ll work with third party apps as well, and has been working with select developers to integrate it.

So far, it’s showed Hulu Plus and Facebook operating in the app, though there’s no official word about that yet. Microsoft also said that Cortana will get smarter over time, learning based on your search requests or other actions.

Stay tuned for more details.

About the Author

Saqib Shah

Tech/gaming journalist for What Mobile magazine and website. Interests include film, digital media and foreign affairs.

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