Microsoft has revealed that the Cortana digital assistant for Windows 10 will expand its reach to more markets and languages later in 2015, following the official launch of Windows 10 on July 29.
Microsoft's Marcus Ash, the company's Group Program Manager for Cortana, stated today:
"As we've already announced, on July 29th, Cortana will debut on Windows 10 in seven countries: the U.S., UK, China, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. Today we're announcing that over the coming months, Cortana will be available to customers in the Windows Insider Program in Japan and Australia, and in English in Canada and India. Later this year, Cortana will also be available to Windows Insiders in Brazil and Mexico, and in French in Canada."
Microsoft also goes over how Cortana is developed and customized for each of the markets and languages:
"Voice talent is carefully considered for each market. For example, in the Chinese market, the feedback requested a personal assistant whose voice sounded like she was smiling. And in UK, customers described their personal assistant as an "English Rose," which translated to a voice that sounds easy-going, with slightly self-deprecating modesty.""Our research has shown that aspects of personality such as humor, politeness and approach to national identity resonate differently in different Cortana markets. For example, Cortana understands how highly the UK values self-deprecating humor. Dryness and irony are traits that filter subtly into her personality, and she uses playful sarcasm in her responses if she senses you're fooling around."
Source: Microsoft
