What is Cortana and how does it work in Windows 10?
This is Microsoft's answer to virtual assistants developed by the major brands in the sector; your virtual assistant. You can talk to Cortana and ask her what you want, she is also able to recognize voice commands, answer questions (using the internet search engine "Bing") and remind us of important appointments. All this, and much more, without using the keyboard.
It is named after a fictional character from the Microsoft video game "Halo" and it started developing in 2014. For its configuration, real personal assistants were interviewed, which generated a very special character in Cortana.
Microsoft's virtual assistant can search for documents on our computer and even on OneDrive. You can check our emails and electronic calendars, send us alerts, notifications, tell jokes, among other things.
You can also browse music, read articles, pretend to flip a coin, and even roll the dice. Tell us about weather, sporting events, results, traffic conditions, business information, stock prices, etc.
All this thanks to the "active listening" function which allows you to call up the Cortana virtual assistant simply by saying: “Hi, Cortana”. And it can be synced with all your connected devices with Windows 10. Of course, it's not a permanent feature, you can disable Cortana in Windows 10 when you don't want to use it.
How to activate Cortana in Windows 10?
Activating the “Hello Cortana” feature in Windows 10 is very easy and simple. In fact, this application it should be enabled by default, as it is closely related to Windows 10. However, if not, it can be activated in two simple steps.
The first thing is to click on the search icon, next to the start button and when you tap on the gear image, select “settings”. Next we need to move the toggle button from "Hello Cortana" to the position “On”, and the function will already have been enabled.
In this way it will be enough to summon Microsoft's virtual assistant simply by saying: “Hi Cortana” ad loudly and she will come to your aid. You obviously need to have a microphone on your device, although Cortana also responds to written commands. This is possible because Cortana is integrated with Microsoft's new web browser, known as “Edge”.
How does Cortana work with Microsoft Edge?
We can say that using and configuring Cortana in Microsoft Edge is the best combination, they perform their search and help functions very well.
It's enough write in the search bar or in a new tab what we want to know. Cortana will immediately answer our questions; if we write a math exercise in the search bar, we will get an answer. If we want to convert units of measurement, exchange rates between currencies, we just have to ask Cortana.
To verify that Cortana is enabled in the Edge web browser, you just need to select the option: “See advanced settings” in the Edge menu. There you need to check that the option: "Let Cortana help me in Microsoft Edge" is active.
What other skills are there when activating Cortana in Windows 10?
Cortana can be configured to respond only to our verbal commands and has a "do not disturb" mode. Contains a function called “Notebook” where he is able to collect the personal information that we authorize him to store. It can be personal information, location, reminders, interests, preferences, etc.
Using this information, you can establish patterns and behaviors of your users. It includes a music recognition program, also distinguishing our preferences based on search patterns.
It can send telephone notifications via Windows Phone and integrates with Microsoft Band, when connected to Bluetooth. Also, you can open applications with Cortana with your voice in Windows 10 in a convenient and simple way.
One of Cortana's most amazing abilities is that seems to have the ability to predict sports results. Cortana perfectly predicted the results of the first 14 matches of the 2014 World Cup, thus beating the famous Octopus Paul. You can also predict the winning team in sports as diverse as NBA, NFL, Cricket and others.
