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Personal assistant Cortana is to get an even bigger role as Microsoft rolls out its Windows 10 anniversary update later this year.
The digital assistant which thrives across Windows 10 devices, including on desktop and laptops, will integrate with more external apps to make smart decisions and recommendations.
So if you’re already a fan of personal assistant Cortana, then be prepared to be even more impressed – and if you’ve not converted yet, then give it a go.
Cortana will make smart suggestions throughout the day, like “offering to buy you lunch or arrange transportation”, the Windows blog explained after details were unveiled at the Microsoft Build developer conference in the US.
There will also be a signposted Cortana collection of apps in the Windows store, signalling which apps can make the best use of Cortana’s features. The digital assistant will also be accessible before the lock screen.
Windows 10 is running on 270 million devices worldwide, making it the fastest launch in Windows history and the anniversary update, released this summer to coincide with its first birthday, will be free to every customer.
The update will also help with online security via Windows Hello.
We all know how tricky it can be remembering passwords for each website and app that is visited. It’s no surprise that 80% of people repeat password use.
Windows Hello to unlock devices, apps, and protected sites on Microsoft Edge without a password. #Build2016 pic.twitter.com/7cdCCjsX2A
— Windows (@Windows) March 30, 2016
Windows Hello lets users sign in to their device with enterprise-grade security. That same technology can be used with Windows apps and the browser Microsoft Edge to allow login through fingerprint or facial recognition once the upgrade has kicked in.
This summer’s roll out will also put an end to the proverbial notes on napkins.
Turn thoughts into action with Windows Ink – using the pen, your fingertip, or both at once. #Build2016 pic.twitter.com/8g5hoM9pbL
— Windows (@Windows) March 30, 2016
Windows Ink will enable users to “write” on their device in the same way people can on paper. Sticky notes can be created, or ideas drawn as they would be on a whiteboard. Ink is integrated into Maps, Office and Microsoft Edge.
The anniversary update, officially Microsoft’s Redstone update, will be coming to Xbox One too.
