Microsoft Brings Two New Cortana Features to Windows 10 Creators Update
Microsoft’s latest Windows 10 Creators Update is now available to all users and includes two new Cortana features – one for consumers and one for developers. For consumers, it is the ability to set up Windows 10 by using just their voice. Microsoft now has Cortana walk users through the entire installation process, from internet set-up to configuring the keyboard. Microsoft has improved its installing process greatly over the years, and this is another step in the right direction. It also lets people revert to the manual option of using a keyboard and mouse if Cortana isn’t for them.
Cortana for Developers
For the more tech-savvy, Microsoft has enabled Cortana in the Creators Update build for the developer board version of Windows 10, which is called Windows 10 IoT Core. Developers with a Raspberry Pi 3 or 2, MinnowBoards MAX, Intel Joule or the DragonBoard 410c will be able to program Cortana to respond to queries for devices with a speaker and microphone. According to Microsoft, the latest update is designed to support devices with smaller screens, like a thermostat.
Cortana on Windows 10 IoT Core is still missing a few key features however. It does not support music playback, setting an alarm and time, three of the top four tasks Amazon Echo owners have tried at least once. While there is room for improvement, the update could introduce new consumers and developers to Cortana, increasing awareness as a result. This could help could help Microsoft gain some ground on the other voice assistants, even without its own smart speaker hardware.
