In a significant move, Microsoft has made it official that support for the Cortana application within the Windows ecosystem will be discontinued starting August 2023. The pioneering virtual assistant, which debuted back in 2014, is set to make way for a suite of relatively novel AI features integrated into Windows. Notably, this includes the introduction of Windows Copilot among other offerings.
This announcement doesn’t come as a shock, considering Microsoft’s earlier decision to halt Cortana’s support for mobile applications on both Android and iOS platforms. Despite this shift, it’s worth noting that Cortana’s functionality will persist through select Microsoft applications, such as Outlook Mobile and Teams Mobile.
Cortana’s journey began in 2014 as a virtual assistant tailored for the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system before extending its presence to Windows-powered PCs. However, in contrast to the widespread appeal garnered by counterparts like Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, or Amazon’s Alexa, Cortana struggled to achieve comparable popularity.
Given the landscape of rapidly evolving AI technology, it’s a strategic move on Microsoft’s part to usher in a new era by phasing out Cortana. Following its retirement, Microsoft is presenting users with a range of alternatives that align with the burgeoning capabilities of AI.
From the intuitive Voice Access feature in Windows 11, enabling hands-free PC control through voice commands, to more sophisticated AI functionalities like Bing AI, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Windows Copilot, the array of options is diverse. Among these, Windows Copilot emerges as a frontrunner to fill the void left by Cortana.
Windows Copilot emerges as a centralized AI companion, encompassing the integration of Bing Chat and the promise of additional valuable plug-ins. Currently available in a Preview format within the Windows 11 ecosystem, Windows Copilot offers a glimpse into the AI-powered future that Microsoft is cultivating.
