Microsoft has revealed that its virtual assistant Cortana will no longer be supported in Windows in the future. The app will be dropped in Windows in late 2023, but will still remain in other Microsoft services, such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook mobile. Microsoft reminded users that the new Windows 11 operating system has elements in place to replace the digital assistant. The company has been developing a Voice Access feature for voice controls, and there is a ChatGPT-powered bot called Bing AI that can answer queries and offer assistance. Additionally, the much-anticipated Copilot, a new AI feature, will offer far more extensive and wide-ranging skills than Cortana and will make the latter irrelevant as a result. Copilot is set to be incorporated in Windows 11, probably with the 23H2 update. Microsoft may want to save Copilot for the next-gen Windows, which is set to arrive next year.
Microsoft’s commitment to artificial intelligence has been at the core of its strategy for some time now. The company positions AI as a critical ingredient in the digital transformation of all industries, whether it be health, transportation, or manufacturing. Microsoft has been investing heavily in its AI capabilities and acquiring startups with similar expertise.
Cortana is a virtual assistant created by Microsoft for Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile, Windows Phone 8.1, Invoke smart speaker, Microsoft Band, Xbox, iOS, Android, Windows Mixed Reality, and soon Amazon Alexa. Cortana can set reminders, recognize natural voice without the requirement for keyboard input, and can answer questions using information from the Bing search engine. She can also sing songs and offer helpful tips for users.
