Thurrott Daily: October 17, 2015

Happy Saturday. I’ll be working on Windows 10 Field Guide for most of the day if possible. But here’s what else is happening today.

10/17/2015 11:38:16 AM

Yes, you will be able to use Cortana on Xbox One with a headset

When Microsoft announced that Cortana was coming to Xbox One, it said that the feature would require a Kinect add-on, which most Xbox One users don’t own or use. But now, the story is changing. In an interview with Polygon, Xbox chief marketing officer Mike Nichols said that Cortana will in fact just work with a headset as well. But the initial release will be Kinect-only.

You’ll also be able to use Cortana with a headset and microphone or by typing in your search, he said.

Oddly, Nichols also claims in the interview that the “vast majority” of Xbox One Kinect owners still use the peripheral. But I suspect that is only to do things like say “Xbox record that.”

10/17/2015 10:05:28 AM

George Harrison’s music catalog is now available on Groove Music

And hopefully this is a step towards getting The Beatles on Groove as well.

Microsoft explains:

The former Fab Four lead guitarist always seemed to strum in the shadow of Paul and John, but this is the same guy who composed “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Something.” While the Beatles made Harrison a household name, his contributions to the music world continued well past that, from his very well-received first solo album, “All Things Must Pass,” to his collaboration with the all-star Traveling Wilburys ensemble.

Check out George Harrison in the Windows Store. Note that his individual albums are all on sale as well.

Steve Ballmer owns 4 percent of Twitter

And nothing he’s invested in has ever gone south, so I’m sure Twitter will be just fine.

As Mr. Ballmer himself tweeted:

Good job @twitter,@twittermoments innovation, @jack Ceo, leaner, more focused. Glad I bought 4% past few months.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Ballmer’s stake in Twitter is worth more than $800 million.