Microsoft’s is introducing Cortana in Windows Phone 8.1. Out of all the new features in Windows Phone 8.1 it’s the one we’re most excited about. As you probably know, Cortana is the forthcoming intelligent personal assistant that will debut in Windows Phone 8.1, but probably seep into other Microsoft products like Windows 8 and Xbox One. We’ve seen screenshots of the UI before, but the video below is the first time the public is seeing it for the first time.
Here is what Cortana asks during the setup process:
- What name would you like me to call you?
- What are a couple of the most enjoyable parts of your everyday evenings? Pick two: Cooking something, Going out, Hanging out with friends, Spending time with family, I go to work at night, Watching something
- When you think about food, what’s most important to you these days? Pick two: What’s Healthiest, What’s most delicious, What’s least expensive, What’s easiest, That some else is making it, I don’t think about food
- What are two of your main motivations for going out to an event or activity? Learning something, Enjoying quality entertainment, Improving myself, Celebrating, Relaxing and unwinding, Pampering myself
- When you want to catch up on what’s going on in the world, which section do you go to first? Style, Travel, Sports, Arts & Leisure, Business, Headlines
- What can I help you with? Try “Find recipes for ants on a log”
Quiet Hours
In addition to Cortana, Quiet hours for controlling alerts and notifications was revealed under Settings. The follow are the options observed in the video:
- Right now: During quiet hours, Cortana handles your calls and texts and silences other notifications. You can turn it on and off when you like, or set it to turn on automatically
Allowed during quiet hours
- Allow anyone through if they call 2 times in 3 minutes
- Always allow inner circle
Text notifications
- Always allow inner circle
- Ask senders: notify anyway?
- Don’t allow text notifications
- Text that I’m busy right now to contacts who are allowed through
Few observations. It's still named Cortana at the moment, though we wouldn't be surprised to see that not be the final name. However, it is looking very likely. Also, Cortana’s UI is based off whatever system color you’re using on your Start screen. In this case green. It was also probably a smart move for the leaker to not sign in with a Microsoft Account or ask any legitimate questions to Cortana. It probably wouldn’t be too hard for Microsoft to track down the phone if they did sign in or ask questions.
At this time there is still no confirmation about the voice and whether it will be Jen Taylor or not.
Source: UnleashThePHones; Thanks, Brett L., for the tip!
