Microsoft reveals changes with Cortana on Windows 10 signaling that the company is no longer planning to compete with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
According to the announcement, Microsoft is shifting the focus of Cortana as a productivity assistant to help users send emails, create reminders, and manage schedules.
You’ll continue to be able to use the assistant with voice or text, and access other smart features, such as the ability to chat with the assistant to get answers, change settings, and set timers and alarms. However, the software giant will now be removing features like music controls, the ability to manage smart gadgets, and support for third-party skills.
Microsoft also says that for security reasons will start removing Cortana in older versions of Windows 10 that have reached their end of support, and users will have to upgrade to the latest release to continue accessing the assistant. In addition, the company is removing Cortana from the Microsoft Launcher on Android at the end of April 2020.
The new version of Cortana is expected to be available later this year alongside the release of Windows 10 version 2004, but the new changes will initially be only available in the United States.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.