Windows Phone 8.1 brings a handful of new features to the mix. Cortana and the new Notification center obviously steal the headlines, but other features like Battery Saver, Wi-Fi Sense, Start backgrounds and more all add up to create a wonderful update. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy these features. Cortana is currently only available as a beta to those in the United States, though you can get it to work internationally with a few tricks.
And it looks like Cortana is also only available to those over a certain age. Seriously.
We’ve received a few tips from parents in the Windows Phone community who have upgraded their kids to Windows Phone 8.1. It appears that those under the age of 13 aren’t able to access Cortana.
If your Microsoft account is listed as a ‘child’ account and you’re under the age of 13 you’ll be greeted with the following message from Cortana:
“I’m Sorry, you’ll need to be a bit older before I can help you.”
And then you’re left only with the option to close out of Cortana. There’s a thread over on the Microsoft Answers website where we learn that the minimum age on the Microsoft account using Cortana must be 13 years or older.
We’ll reach out to Microsoft for clarification on the decision. In the meantime, did you experience any broken hearts with your kids trying to use Cortana on their phone? Sound off below
Clarification: Our friend Will (@woden325) reached out and reminded us of the laws of the land. Microsoft is just staying on the right side of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by making Cortana work with those 13 and older.
Source: Microsoft Answers
Thanks for the tip Cayman D. and everyone else!
