Everything you should know about Cortana Microsoft’s Intelligent Assistant

Cortana Microsoft’s 

We live in an era where technological advancement changes everything we know.

It is now possible to control our phones and other devices via voice command, something in the not distant past that seemed impossible.

Everything changes and that future is here today;

Let me introduce you to!

Microsoft Cortana is a digital assistant similar to Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri, the mission is to get things done comfortably.

Cortana first appeared on Windows Phone and now, it’s on Windows 10 PC as well.

But, Mircosoft Cortana has not always been a digital Assistant.

Technically, Cortana was an Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Halo games.

Designed to give historical background and tactical information to the game player(s)

A companion of Spartans until it was demonstrated for the first time at the Microsoft BUILD  Developer conference on April 2-4 2014.

Ever  since then, Cortana has found its way into Windows 10, Windows 10 mobile, Windows Phone 8.1, Invoke Smart Speaker, Microsoft Band, Surface Headphones, Xbox One, etc.

Microsoft’s own Virtual Assistant, Cortana is an Artificial Intelligence tool that offers the feature of making our daily job and sourcing information more convenient.

The incorporation of Cortana as part of Windows 10 PC software is a major leap for the Microsoft Company, Android and iOS systems.

Unlike most of the virtual assistant out there, Cortana can be restricted from reading emails or interacting with other applications on your phone or device.

As an app, it was not designed to compete with apps like Google Assistants or Siri, but to remain a stand-alone application by Microsoft.

This, however, has made Cortana a unique and secure virtual assistant that has gotten the world talking about

What is Microsoft Cortana?

Microsoft Cortana, its voice-controlled virtual assistant designed by Microsoft Company to interact with other applications, and help the life of its user easier.

The development of Cortana was carried out by a separate division of Microsoft. 

It was trained and introduced into various operating systems own by Microsoft.

Over time, Cortana became cross-platform on other devices.

Right now, it can be found on Android and iOS platforms

Why is the app named Cortana?

The name Cortana was not chosen randomly.

It is also the name of the main character in the Halovideo Game designed based on Bungie Folklore with Jen Taylor  as the voice of the Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The virtual assistant in time was separated from Microsoft Windows 10 so it can be download and installed on more devices.

Currently, you can download the beta version from Window store to your device.

How to set up Microsoft Cortana?

Setting this app is easy like taking baby steps.

To do this, go to Windows settings through the “Start” menu.

Next, open the privacy options by clicking on the “Privacy” Window.

Then, select from the sub-menu-item “Speech, inking and typing”

If you have done all these correctly, the Cortana option should be showing “Enabled”

After that, switch the location on your mobile phone or device “on”

At this stage, the configuration, and all necessary adjustment to bring Cortana online is considered complete.

On a special note, to make the app work effectively and efficiently, use the “To me” settings and the “Respond best” window to help Cortana remember your voice and dialect in order to understand you best and your request.

How to set Microsoft Cortana on Windows 10 PC

Adding Cortana to Personal Computer (PC) was one of the best decisions that developers have made thus far!

If you have a windows 10 PC, Cortana and her settings live in the search box next to the Start Menu Button.

To start Cortana in Windows 10, follow the following steps; click on the “Start Menu Button” It is the “Windows Icon” at the bottom left of your screen.

Click All apps.

Click Cortana.

Click Use Cortana.

Click “Yes” if you want to speak, inking and typing personalization turned on.

This helps Cortana get to know you better and acquaint itself with your dialect and way of speaking.

After which Cortana is all set and ready for use on your Windows 10 systems.

Now that Cortana is fully functional on your Windows 10, what if you can’t start Cortana because it is not in your region?

What if Cortana does not work in my Region?

In such regions, users will only see a message that Cortana is not available to them.

If this happens, you can follow these simple steps to get Cortana working on your PC.

It is not complicated and therefore you can do it yourself!

Click the “Start Menu” then proceed to “Settings”

Click on “Time and Language” then go to the region section.

Since I’m a Nigerian and English is Nigeria’s official language, then I will select “West Africa” in the region and “Add English” in the language section.

After such, if you are not in the region where English is spoken, the system will prompt you into downloading a speech pack for the language.

Soon after the download is finished, it will prompt you into restarting the system so that the “changes can take effect” click “Restart”

Sounds so easy, isn’t it?

When these steps are complete, feel free to enjoy your Cortana as its use on any personal computer is free.

The Cortana Icon will appear bottom of the panel. And to start Cortana, just click on icon and say “Hey Cortana”

Often times, users complain about the poor performance of the app.

Well, it is not that the program not performing correctly. It is designed for English speaking people.

Thus, Cortana maybe is affected by things like accent, the improper pronunciation of words or phrase and inadequate use of language to the working principles of the app.

Therefore, when choosing to comment about how Microsoft Cortana is performing, you also have to consider if English is your first language.

Main Features of Microsoft Cortana

Let’s consider how this app functions and its main features that make it a competitive virtual assistant.

Among the wonderful features, Cortana has the ability to learn and progressively adapts, anticipate the request and requirements of its user.

For this program to become effective, it must have access to things like mail, phone book, phone book history, frequently visits sites and apps.

After it has accumulated all this information about the user, the app becomes more effective and efficient in meeting the needs and demands of the user.

On a Final Note

Cortana is similar to Google Assistant and Siri.