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Rumor: Cortana Will Be Integrated into Windows 9 (Of Course)

By - Source: Neowin | B 27 comments

That Microsoft is throwing Cortana into the Windows 9 recipe should not be surprising; in fact, the move should be expected given that Google already offers Google Now on the PC, and Apple is trying to patent a Siri-like service on OS X. Microsoft, it seems, will need to keep pace.

But what's interesting to read is Cortana's progress in the Threshold development state, as rumors now claim that Cortana will be fully integrated into the operating system when it supposedly launches in Spring 2015.

According to Neowin, Cortana is a "simple app" that Threshold users manually open. The app, once it's launched, doesn't encompass the full screen as seen on Windows Phone 8.1, instead taking up around 25 percent of the screen and residing in the middle. Here the user can type out a question to the virtual assistant, or verbally ask the question if a microphone is installed.

Windows 9 "Threshold" is expected to launch in a consumer preview mode sometime before the end of the year. So far, Microsoft isn't saying a word about the new platform but is somehow unable to keep various builds out of the hands of Windows leakers. The rumor we see today likely stems from one of those builds.

Fans of Microsoft's Halo series will recognize the Cortana name as the artificial intelligence voiced by Jen Taylor. In the real world, she uses Bing's Satori technology, which in Japanese means "understanding." Cortana, which was initially introduced back in April 2014, can answer questions, provide reminders, and use machine learning to virtually "get to know" the end user.

Several months ago, the Cortana team said that the virtual assistant will be updated twice per month. This will likely carry over to the desktop version as well, keeping Cortana up-to-date on both Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 9. The question is, will we see Cortana when the Windows 9 customer preview rolls out in Q4 2014 or when Windows 9 makes its retail debut in the Spring?

Previous rumors concerning Windows 9 claimed that Microsoft plans to rip out the weird Charms bar and put the Start Menu back where it belongs. Cortana for Windows 9 is also expected to be more advanced than it is now. There's even talk that Windows 9 may actually be free for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 customers. Wouldn't that be interesting.

Follow Kevin Parrish @exfileme. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

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  • -5 Hide
    ahnilated , August 11, 2014 11:30 AM
    Yet another OS I can pass up.
  • 1 Hide
    therogerwilco , August 11, 2014 11:39 AM
    Loving the direction of Windows! Hands down, it's pretty awesome.
    Sure, they're adjusting to HOW they need to do it, which people have voiced, but overall, still a better OS for people who want to do more than cruise the net, play angry birds, and record home videos... heh

    Of course Apple tries to play catch up by putting Siri on OSX and trying to get a patent for it. (there's been other versions pre-siri, they shouldn't be able to get a patent)

    Let alone it doesn't matter unless Siri can match the extensibility
  • 2 Hide
    SirGCal , August 11, 2014 12:15 PM
    Something else I hope is an optional install in the custom install mode... Something else I have no interest in on my desktop.
  • Display all 27 comments.
  • 1 Hide
    TechyInAZ , August 11, 2014 12:17 PM
    Huh interesting, kind of creepy however that Cortana want's to "virtually 'get to know' the end user".
  • 3 Hide
    Joseph DeGarmo , August 11, 2014 12:23 PM
    Now how about making the Windows 9 upgrade free to Windows 8.1 consumers? Or at least make Cortana available for download on Windows 8.1 through the Windows Store?
  • -2 Hide
    kylerjobe , August 11, 2014 12:23 PM
    Too soon for Win9
  • 5 Hide
    Yuka , August 11, 2014 12:51 PM
    Man... I really really REALLY wish all these new features would be "add ons" and could be selected for install before actually putting anything in your PC.

    Cheers!
  • -3 Hide
    red77star , August 11, 2014 12:57 PM
    I just don't want Cortana garbage on my Desktop PC. If Microsoft makes it optional fine, if not it is just another OS to skip.
  • 1 Hide
    bluestar2k11 , August 11, 2014 1:47 PM
    If I can make my desktop not look like a mad house gone wrong with ugly tiles, 9 might be interesting (esp if they keep with their typical cycle), but I want to see how it goes first, I wasn't impressed with 8, it has nothing I need in it.

    9 better have excellent compatibility (critical point), some better customization (though that can be done 3rd party if needed) and let me shut Cortana up, I might try it, cortana does sound interesting, but since I'd bet if they bring any of their 1st party titles to PC, it will be locked to 9 and DX12, it might be worth it. MAYBE.
  • -2 Hide
    mavikt , August 11, 2014 2:48 PM
    What is this? Do they want you to talk to your computer to get something done? On desktop? Like working in an open office landscape isn't bad enough already!
  • 0 Hide
    WildandWoolyMammoth , August 11, 2014 3:05 PM
    I bought a Win 8 Laptop. I didn't register it. It didn't register with me. I brought it back for a full refund. It's hard to see how Microsoft does not get the idea of "Different strokes for different folks". Just think about it: Software, yes, SOFTware got it's name because it was, is, and should be forever pliable, adaptable, moldable, configurable in grillions of different shapes, forms, colors, configurations, ideas, purposes.... etc,
    and YET, Microsoft acts as if there is only ONE MICROSOFT WAY, and it PURPOSELY makes it AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE for the user to have any input, any say, any preference, ANY VOICE AT ALL. If you don't believe me, then just try to deal with the "Microsoft Account Team", the "Microsoft Global Escalation Team" and any of the other "teams" behind which Microsoft hides. Yes, even if one honestly tries to give reasonable suggestions for improvement - it's all for naught. Apart from that, I do not know Cortana, but if it is a "voice-activated artificial intelligence system", I will most likely not be able to use it, because all these systems DO NOT understand ANYONE with a FOREIGN ACCENT or ANYONE who has a STUFFY NOSE or a SORE THROAT. Various banks and other institutions have these systems, and when they ask me to say YES, I say YES, and they say "Sorry, I didn't get that". It works the same way with NO, they say "Sorry I didn't get that".

    So, overall, having suffered with MSFT products for almost 30 years, I know that whenever they come out with something new, it will take sometime between 3 to 5 years to get fixed. According to Avast OS statistics, among PC users, 61% use Windows 7, 27% use Win XP, 6% Vista and 6% Win 8. Why? I think it's because Win 7 and XP are fairly stable, while Vista and especially Win 8 were an insult to any consumer who wants value for their money, i.e. something that works.
  • 0 Hide
    sicom , August 11, 2014 4:04 PM
    That's great. Fairly recently I was asking myself, "why can't I talk to my PC in the same way that I talk to my phone?" in a moment where it would have actually been very convenient.
  • 0 Hide
    PandaButtonFTW , August 11, 2014 4:39 PM
    Quote:
    Huh interesting, kind of creepy however that Cortana want's to "virtually 'get to know' the end user".
    I will finally have a friend!
  • 0 Hide
    vaughn2k , August 11, 2014 5:04 PM
    Let me guess, this is ONLY available in the US... So I don't care... ;) 
  • 1 Hide
    James Mason , August 11, 2014 5:43 PM
    Ever since seeing the commercials for the windows phone with Cortana, i've been thinking Microsoft is trying to apeal to their most loyal and devoted fanbase.

    The Halo Fanboys.

    I think it's an interesting idea at least.

    The problem is if in later stages, i'm play a game and throwing a barrage of curse words at it, I don't want Cortana coming up and saying "It looks like you're writing a letter. Need help?"
  • 0 Hide
    Billy Gates , August 11, 2014 7:16 PM
    So many cavemen Pc users in hurr. Might as will copy and paste Windows 7 for them.
  • 0 Hide
    Nuckles_56 , August 11, 2014 7:22 PM
    Quote:
    I bought a Win 8 Laptop. I didn't register it. It didn't register with me. I brought it back for a full refund. It's hard to see how Microsoft does not get the idea of "Different strokes for different folks". Just think about it: Software, yes, SOFTware got it's name because it was, is, and should be forever pliable, adaptable, moldable, configurable in grillions of different shapes, forms, colors, configurations, ideas, purposes.... etc,
    and YET, Microsoft acts as if there is only ONE MICROSOFT WAY, and it PURPOSELY makes it AS DIFFICULT AS POSSIBLE for the user to have any input, any say, any preference, ANY VOICE AT ALL. If you don't believe me, then just try to deal with the "Microsoft Account Team", the "Microsoft Global Escalation Team" and any of the other "teams" behind which Microsoft hides. Yes, even if one honestly tries to give reasonable suggestions for improvement - it's all for naught. Apart from that, I do not know Cortana, but if it is a "voice-activated artificial intelligence system", I will most likely not be able to use it, because all these systems DO NOT understand ANYONE with a FOREIGN ACCENT or ANYONE who has a STUFFY NOSE or a SORE THROAT. Various banks and other institutions have these systems, and when they ask me to say YES, I say YES, and they say "Sorry, I didn't get that". It works the same way with NO, they say "Sorry I didn't get that".

    So, overall, having suffered with MSFT products for almost 30 years, I know that whenever they come out with something new, it will take sometime between 3 to 5 years to get fixed. According to Avast OS statistics, among PC users, 61% use Windows 7, 27% use Win XP, 6% Vista and 6% Win 8. Why? I think it's because Win 7 and XP are fairly stable, while Vista and especially Win 8 were an insult to any consumer who wants value for their money, i.e. something that works.


    Time to go and buy another mac then, especially if you have been suffering through microsoft products for the LAST 30 YEARS.

    Besides, do you think that you get any more choice with apple products, ok good I didn't think so
  • 0 Hide
    Billy Gates , August 11, 2014 8:54 PM
    So many cavemen Pc users in hurr. Might as will copy and paste Windows 7 for them.
  • 2 Hide
    virtualban , August 12, 2014 12:13 AM
    Windows in charge of a futuristic home.
    me: Kortana, make me a sandwich!
  • 1 Hide
    chaosmassive , August 12, 2014 5:14 AM
    uh, this Cortana sounds like in Iron Man film
    "Jarvis, turn it on"
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