Microsoft ‘Cortana’ to be available on Windows Phone soon

April 3, 2014: Cortana, a new smartphone assistant has been launched by Microsoft and will soon be available on Windows Phone. Cortana's voice and character is based on a popular artificial intelligence character in Microsoft's blockbuster Xbox console video game ‘Halo’. It responds to conversationally spoken requests or commands, using insights gleaned from calendars, contact lists, online searches etc.

“Cortana is an intelligent, learning AI who is duty bound to help her companion as much as possible, using a staggering database of information combined with real, growing knowledge of that companion,” said Frank O’Connor, Director of Franchise Developer.

Reports stated, ‘Cortana is a useful guide for travellers. It can track the user’s flight, advise one when to leave early due to bad traffic, inform you of the weather at your destination, and keep you up-to-date on developments.’

"Cortana is the first truly personal digital assistant who learns about me, and the things that matter to me most, and knows about the whole Internet," highlighted Joe Belfiore, Windows Phone Vice President in a presentation.

Cortana will be in a test, or beta, mode when it becomes available in a Windows Phone 8.1 software update, which will begin rolling out in the United States in coming months. According to Belfiore, ‘The new version of Windows Phone 8.1 should be available on new phones beginning in late April or early May.’As do Siri and Google Now, Cortana can remind users of flights, appointments, birthdays, routes, or other information for managing lives.

After being tested in the US, Cortana will expand to Britain and China as well.