Microsoft is killing the standalone Cortana app for Home windows in late 2023

Apparently, the introduction of Windows Copilot signaled the tip of Cortana on Microsoft’s desktop OS. In a brand new support document first noticed by Windows Central, the tech big has introduced that it’s going to cease supporting the standalone Cortana app for Home windows in late 2023. Microsoft launched Cortana as a voice assistant for Home windows cell units again in 2014. It was speculated to be the corporate’s reply to Apple’s Siri, and it even predates Amazon’s Alexa, however it by no means fairly achieved their stage of recognition and recognition.

Over the yr, Microsoft scaled again its plans for the voice assistant till it discontinued its Android and iOS apps again in 2021. The corporate even eliminated it from associate producers’ units, similar to good audio system. For Home windows, particularly, Microsoft modified its standing as a baked-in digital assistant and spun it out into its personal app for computer systems. That is the app we’re bidding farewell to by the tip of the yr.

In its announcement, Microsoft identified that customers will nonetheless have entry to “highly effective productiveness options in Home windows and Edge, which have elevated AI capabilities.” It particularly talked about the brand new Bing that is now powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 know-how. Microsoft launched the Microsoft 365 Copilot instrument that may create content material inside Workplace apps with text-based prompts in March.

After which in late Might, the corporate revealed at its Construct developer convention that it is making AI a deeply built-in a part of Home windows 11 by placing a Copilot instrument within the platform’s sidebar. Customers can ask it to carry out duties inside the OS, similar to altering the pc background, and even modifying pictures and summarizing paperwork, with out having to launch apps or to seek for specific settings. Almost certainly, only a few folks shall be lacking Cortana. Those who do use the assistant can transition to utilizing Copilot, which shall be accessible as a preview model for Home windows 11 beginning this month.

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