Microsoft has been testing one for some time new standalone version of the Cortana app within the Insider program. The app will be pre-installed on Windows 10, and will implement a new user interface that can be dragged anywhere on the desktop, and the possibility of being updated via the Microsoft Store more frequently.
However, it seems that there will not only be good news for the assiduous users of the Windows 10 virtual assistant: Andrew Shuman, CVP of Cortana at Microsoft, today shared new details on what is called the "next step in the evolution of Cortana". Here are his words, written on the official Windows blog.
"With the goal of transforming Cortana into the personal productivity assistant for Microsoft 365, there will be some changes in the way the assistant works on the next version of Windows 10. We have strengthened the access methods so that it is necessary to carry out log-in to your Microsoft account, to your work or school account before using the assistant. Some consumer skills, such as those related to music apps, connected home and third-party ones, will no longer be accessible in the updated version of Cortana on Windows 10 ".
According to what Mary Jo Foley writes on ZDNet, the smart speakers that use Cortana (like some models of Harman Kardon) will continue to work but it will be necessary to use the dedicated app on iOS or Android to have full control of the devices. In addition, Microsoft will end virtual assistant support from April on discontinued versions of Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile and Microsoft Android Launcher.
There new version of Cortana will serve to "achieve more with less effort", according to the words written by Shuman on the post. In the US, the assistant will get new productivity features that will help users find contacts or files more easily, check or write new emails, or add new entries to Microsoft To-Do lists. The assistant will answer questions via Bing, and continue to set alarms and timers.
For non-American users, the updated version of Cortana will provide for the introduction of the new graphical interface and responses via Bing. In Italy, therefore, the new productivity functions will arrive in an unspecified future.
