Microsoft’s Windows 8 Phones have been chugging along trying to keep up with Apple and Android. According to The Verge, recent software development kit leaks have occurred for a ton of updates for the upcoming Windows Phone 8.1. One of these leaks involved the inclusion of Halo’s main female protagonist Cortana to be used as an assistant, much like Siri. Sources from Microsoft have revealed to The Verge that Cortana will replace the built-in Bing search feature, and be an overall personal assistant on Windows Phone 8.1. Supuposedly, Cortana will be a circular animated icon that will match the current theme installed. She will animate when speaking or thinking, and show emotion depending on the queries involved. To help support her, data from Bing, Foursquare, and others will have keep up with the likes of Google Now.
To ensure any privacy concerns, Microsoft looks to incorporate a Notebook feature allowing users to control exactly what information is shared with Cortana. The idea is to make sure Cortana doesn’t randomly access information without a level of control. While Cortana will adapt, she will ask the user about storing or editing information. It is also possible that Cortana will greet users by name and ask if they need help or have any questions, which is akin to Siri. Cortana will also react to specific messages related to appointments or reminders, along with guidance on weather, stocks, and music. An “inner circle” of contacts will also allow her to manage notifications and calls during periods of mute.
Cortana was first made known when a Microsoft employee lost their phone last year, rather by accident or on purposes is truly known. Already on a system that lacks apps, third party developers will need to find a way to incorporate Cortana, as it is very possible this idea could be successful to bring new users on board. Microsoft has developed some really good voice recognition technology thanks to the Kinect. If the options are there and she functions correctly, you could see more fanboys jump on the bandwagon for Microsoft Windows Phones.