Tech News
Say Goodbye to Cortana
And say hello to Windows Copilot.
In some earlier posts, I chatted about a bunch of stuff concerning Windows and AI. You can find the links to those at the bottom of this post.
Now, let’s dive into what the deal was with Cortana and what Microsoft’s cooking up to take its place.
What is Cortana?
Cortana is Microsoft’s version of a virtual assistant, like Siri from Apple or Google Assistant. It’s like having your own little digital buddy who can help you do stuff on your computer, phone, or other devices.
Named after an AI character from the “Halo” video game series, Cortana is all about making your life easier and more convenient.
Imagine you’re swamped with tasks and need to find a specific file on your computer. Instead of digging through folders and feeling frustrated, you can just ask Cortana to find it for you. “Hey Cortana, where’s that report from last week?” And voila, she’ll track it down in no time.
But Cortana isn’t just a file-finding wizard. She can also tell you about the weather, set reminders, create calendar events, answer questions, and even crack jokes. It’s like having a chatty friend who knows a ton of useful stuff.
You can also chat with Cortana using text or voice. If you’re on a long drive and suddenly remember you need to send an email, just tell Cortana what you want to say, and she’ll type it out for you. It’s like having your very own personal secretary that fits in your pocket.
Of course, like any AI, Cortana isn’t perfect. Sometimes she might misunderstand what you’re saying, or her jokes might fall flat. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
What’s happening to Cortana?
In a bit of news from back in May, Microsoft dropped a bombshell — they’re putting Cortana, the chatty digital voice companion from Windows, to rest. Yep, “deprecated” is the fancy corporate term they’re using, but let’s just call it what it is: they’re pulling the plug.
Stepping up to take Cortana’s place is the new kid in town, Windows Copilot. This AI-powered sidekick might not have the same spunky personality, but it’s got some tricks up its sleeve.
Think of it as your helpful neighbor who’s there to answer all your Windows-related queries, give you quick summaries of documents, or even curate a playlist for your jam session on Spotify. And just to keep things interesting, don’t forget Bing Chat.
Now, if you’re not the tech-savvy type who’s already given Cortana the boot, brace yourself — she’s not meeting her demise unless you choose to install the freshest Windows 11 update. When that happens, she’ll vanish from your PC, joining the ranks of has-been Microsoft aides alongside the legendary Clippy.
But hey, here’s a glimmer of hope for the folks who feel a pang of sadness when a robot bites the dust. In a hidden corner of the Microsoft Support realm, tucked away within the “End of support for Cortana in Windows and Teams” article, lies a tiny note that might lift your spirits. It turns out, our dear Cortana will continue to thrive in the mobile version of Outlook.
Imagine this: Cortana as a ghostly, disembodied voice reading out your emails. Creepy? Maybe a tad, but it’s a twist we didn’t see coming. Plus, don’t worry, there’s zero chance she’ll decide to go rogue and embark on a quest to wake up ancient alien technology. Probably.
Final Words
So, to sum it all up, Cortana’s getting the boot — a curtain call for the sassy digital assistant.
But Microsoft’s not leaving us high and dry; they’re rolling out Windows Copilot to pick up the slack.
And for those who are particularly attached to our robot buddies, Cortana’s not completely out of the game — she’s got a new haunt in the mobile Outlook app.
That’s right, she’s now the voice in your head… er, phone, reading your emails aloud. Just don’t expect her to go all sci-fi on us. We hope.
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References
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