Text from IGN.com:
Microsoft is reportedly prepping voice command software called Cortana to compete with Apple’s Siri and Android’s Google Now. According to ZDNet, Cortana “will be able to learn and adapt, relying on machine-learning technology and the “Satori” knowledge repository powering Bing.”
ZDNet’s sources report that Cortana (presumably named after Halo’s AI companion) will be “core” to future versions of Windows Phone, Windows and Xbox One. Back in July, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer referenced “a family of devices powered by a service-enabled shell,” which now appears to be in reference to Cortana’s capabilities. According to ZDNet, that shell “won’t simply surface information stored on users’ phones, PCs and consoles like a search engine can do today.” In Ballmer’swords, it “will support the experiences layer and broker information among our services to bring them together on our devices in ways that will enable richer and deeper app experiences.”
Windows Phone currently includes basic voice commands, and Microsoft has already trumped up the voice capabilities of Kinect for its upcoming Xbox One. For now, Cortana has yet to be officially announced or confirmed, but we’ve reached out to Microsoft for more information and will update this story with any comment we receive.
HFFL: Okay, now THIS makes me want to get a Windows phone…Hmm, maybe on the next upgrade???
They have to find a way to use Jen Taylor’s voice for this. If they do, I think that clinches it for me. I can already image that, as you try to find someplace on a map app, her voice as she says ‘Bet you can’t stick it.’
lol! this actually sounds pretty cool!
I switched to a windows phone from apple for Spartan Assault and it was worth it for sure. Now with Cortana joining me, I’ll be double happy I made the switch. I highly recommend Windows phones, especially for us gamers and for all the interconnectivity that we will see with XB1. If anyone is on the fence or wants more info, just ask away and I’ll be glad to help…