Microsoft bids farewell to Cortana and embraces generative AI in Windows 11
Microsoft has stated that it would discontinue support for Cortana as a standalone app on Windows beginning in August 2023. “We are making some changes to Windows that will have an impact on users of the Cortana app,” Microsoft noted in a blog post. The IT behemoth is concentrating on innovation and the use of Generative AI to improve its services.
The change only affects Cortana on Windows, so the assistant will remain available in Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams rooms. Microsoft also stated that customers may continue to use productivity tools in Microsoft Windows and Edge that have enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Microsoft mentioned potential Cortana options, such as Windows 11 voice access, which allows users to operate their PC with voice commands, the new AI-powered Bing, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Windows Copilot, all of which provide centralized AI help for Windows users.
The Windows Copilot preview for Windows 11 was released in June. Microsoft claims that by combining Bing Chat with first- and third-party plugins, users would be able to focus on bringing their ideas to life, finishing difficult tasks, and collaborating rather than wasting time locating, opening, and working across several programmes.
