Microsoft Previews New Cortana Features on Windows 10

Microsoft has been testing a new Cortana app for Windows 10 devices for a little while. This week, the company is rolling out some changes for users of the app, specifically those part of the Windows Insider program’s Fast Ring.

The new update introduces a couple of new features. It undocks Cortana from the taskbar, meaning it now acts like a regular app and can be moved or resized like any other Windows app.

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The update also introduces a couple of improved skills for Cortana as part of Microsoft’s effort to evolve Cortana from a basic digital assistant to a “personal productivity” assistant. The new skills include the ability to send an email or query emails, ability to create meetings, query meetings and even join meetings on Teams. The update also introduces the ability to open apps using this new Cortana experience, and the ability to control Windows settings.

Microsoft says the company has also introduced some accessibility improvements with the update. It is, however, removing the connected accounts feature and simplifying the experience by simply letting you switch between your personal and work Microsoft Account. It’s also taking away some features like jokers and “other assistant conversations”, timers, and Bing Instant  Answers while the company gives them a fresh coat of paint.

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Conversation 9 comments

  • dontbeevil

    21 November, 2019 - 4:16 am

    <p>I'm confused, you said that cortana is dead</p>

    • Daishi

      Premium Member
      21 November, 2019 - 4:21 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#490817">In reply to dontbeevil:</a></em></blockquote><p>Oh ffs.</p><p><br></p><p>I was literally just coming here to say “any moment now dontbeevil will be here saying “but you said…” “. Seems I was too late</p>

      • dontbeevil

        21 November, 2019 - 7:31 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#490821">In reply to Daishi:</a></em></blockquote><p>sorry if you don't like the truth but you prefer the misleading news</p>

  • IanYates82

    Premium Member
    21 November, 2019 - 7:22 am

    <p>Switching between work and personal makes good sense. I'd happily keep Cortana limited to work things given we use Office 365 – I can see that being useful.</p><p><br></p><p>Leaving timers in there would be smart – shame that's going away.</p><p><br></p><p>If/when you can also install the Google Assistant in Windows I'd definitely install it. For me it's broadcasting throughout the house, setting timers, quick reminders, controlling lights &amp; aircon, controlling Netflix and, when I remember it's possible, switching games on the xbox.</p>

  • maktaba

    21 November, 2019 - 8:34 am

    <p>Maybe the Windows team don’t know Cortana has been killed on phones?</p>

    • MikeGalos

      21 November, 2019 - 9:57 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#490857">In reply to Maktaba:</a></em></blockquote><p>More likely they saw sales figures for desktops and laptops and full function tablets and realized the "Post-PC World" was just sour grapes hype from a phone company.</p>

  • Rob_Wade

    21 November, 2019 - 11:02 am

    <p>I'm on the latest build. Cortana is still on my taskbar (thankfully). And it's definitely less capable now than it was. Not helpful, Microsoft. Not helpful.</p>

  • dxtremebob

    Premium Member
    21 November, 2019 - 3:27 pm

    <p>Don't take the jokes away!</p>

  • Jeff Fodiak

    21 November, 2019 - 9:28 pm

    <p>Why bother? Less than a year from now this will be killed off too</p>

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