Microsoft Cortana: The smart person's guide
Cortana is Microsoft's universal digital agent and you should get to know her before she gets to know you
You may not have noticed, but there has been a subtle yet significant change in the way human beings interface with their computing devices. The traditional standard of keyboard and mouse is not the only way we have to communicate with our computers anymore. We have entered the age of the personal digital assistant.
For Microsoft and devices running the Windows 10 operating system, the digital agent that will help us interface with our computing devices more efficiently is called Cortana. If you have a computer, tablet, or smartphone running Windows 10, you have Cortana—even if you have never used it. This TechRepublic Smart Person's Guide describes what Cortana is, who its designed for, when you should use it, and why it matters.
SEE: Check out all of TechRepublic's smart person's guides.
Executive summary
- What it is: Cortana is Microsoft's version of a universal personal digital assistant, or digital agent.
- Why it matters: Cortana could eventually be the primary interface we use to communicate with our computerized devices.
- When you should use it: Cortana is handy when using your smartphone or other mobile device to control or interact with other connected computing devices.
- Who it affects: Since Cortana is integral to the operating system, it has the potential to affect everyone using a Microsoft Windows 10 device.
- When it is happening: Cortana is available now.
- How to get it: Cortana automatically comes with the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. Cortana is also available as a standalone app for both Android and iOS devices.
What it is
Cortana is Microsoft's version of a universal personal digital assistant or, if you prefer, digital agent. Cortana is an integral part of Windows 10 and is therefore available on any device running that operating system.
Additional resources
- How to turn Cortana on and off
- Could Cortana replace Windows one day?
- How Microsoft is creating a better Cortana with the purchase of Genee
- Bring on Cortana for Windows 10!
Why it matters
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Some of the largest technology companies in the world (Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Amazon) believe that the digital agent will eventually be the primary interface we use to communicate with our computerized gadgets, the internet, and our network of interconnected devices (Internet of Things). With that belief in mind, these companies are attempting to establish their version of a digital agent as the de facto standard for most consumers. Cortana is Microsoft's version of the digital assistant in this free-for-all competition.
Each company is looking to establish a foothold in this marketspace because they believe digital agent technology is the key that will hold consumers in their respective digital ecosystems. In other words, once you use a particular digital agent and establish a connection with the software, it will be difficult to switch to a different digital agent. Essentially, if you were to change, you would have to start all over again.
Additional resources
- Put big data to work with Cortana Analytics
- Five key facts about how Windows 10 search works
- Satya Nadella: Software bots will be as big as mobile apps
- How we learned to talk to computers, and how they learned to answer back
When should you use it?
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You can use Cortana to perform searches or set reminders and perform other simple commands. However, to truly take advantage of everything Cortana or any digital agent can do, you must commit to the software. The basic axiom is this: The more a digital agent knows about you, the more it can do for you.
Cortana comes in handy for using your smartphone to control other connected devices in your world. For example, you can use your smartphone and Cortana to set up an appointment and add it to your Outlook Calendar on your desktop computer. Again, this level of interaction takes commitment and a thorough configuration of every device you use.
This is the next hurdle for Microsoft and the rest of the technology companies in this space—complexity. Right now, to fully take advantage of digital agents, the consumer has to be tech savvy. Microsoft is attempting to mitigate this potential knowledge gap for consumers by adding Cortana to every device running Windows 10.
Additional resources:
- Microsoft's AI can now understand speech better than humans
- Microsoft's Satya Nadella thinks these four technologies will reshape IT
- Can AI and big data improve how you get news? Cheetah Mobile is making a $57M bet that it can
- The potential of Windows 10 devices is revealed at Mobile World Congress
Who does this affect?
Cortana has the potential to affect anyone using a Microsoft Windows 10 device. Whether you want the advantages of a personal digital assistant or not, Cortana is there just waiting to be turned on.
Cortana is also available as a standalone app for devices running Android and Apple iOS.
For the privacy conscious, it is important to note that once Cortana is on, it starts collecting data about you. An effective digital agent will know your likes, dislikes, and activity patterns. It will be able to tell not only who your friends are, but also who is not really your friend. This is some serious and intimate personal knowledge, which may be more personal than some users feel comfortable sharing.
Additional resources
- Democratizing AI: Are you willing to share your most intimate secrets with Cortana?
- Windows 10: Privacy and data sharing specifics you need to know
- Windows 10 violates your privacy by default, here's how you can protect yourself
- 10 quick tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want
When is this happening?
Cortana is available now and comes pre-installed on all devices running the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. For Android devices, the Cortana app is available on Google Play. For iPhone and other iOS devices, Cortana is available for download on iTunes.
Additional resources
- Microsoft Ignite: Nadella outlines 4 pillars for democratizing AI
- Windows 10: The smart person's guide
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update: The new features heading your way
- Windows 10 one year on: Has it been a success for Microsoft?
How do I get it?
When you purchase a new device running the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system you will automatically have Cortana available if you choose to turn it on.
If you have a device or computer running a previous version of Windows, you can upgrade that device to Windows 10 for a fee.
For Android devices, the Cortana app is available on Google Play. For iPhone and other iOS devices, Cortana is available for download on iTunes.
Additional resources
- So, you want to try Microsoft Cortana on Android? Here's how
- Microsoft announces its next upcoming failure: Cortana for Android and iOS
- Microsoft Windows 10: Five free apps you should download
- Siri's legacy: How next-gen bots will change the way business gets done
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Senior Data Analyst
7yYou rightly mention privacy concerns, Martin. I thinks such concerns will hold back non-millennials like me from embracing this powerful technology. I would be concerned that professional hacking organisations could exploit such information financially at my expense. Am I alone here?