Cortana bids farewell
In a significant move towards embracing modern AI technology, Microsoft has announced the shutdown of its digital assistant app, Cortana, from this month. This decision of Microsoft on Next-Gen AI comes as the tech giant focuses on incorporating cutting-edge features like Bing Chat, a ChatGPT-like platform, and other AI-powered productivity tools across Windows and its web browser Edge. The move is seen as a stepping stone towards a new AI future, where users will rely on more intelligent chatbots powered by GPT-4, a collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI. The company is set to integrate the ChatGPT-based Bing experience directly into Windows 11.
Cortana’s Demise and its Evolution in Microsoft’s Vision
Cortana, once a leading digital assistant, will cease to exist as a standalone app on Windows. While Microsoft has not provided detailed insights into this matter of Microsoft on Next-Gen AI, it’s evident from the support page that Cortana is viewed as a precursor to the AI revolution the company envisions. The future will revolve around more sophisticated chatbots, leveraging GPT-4’s capabilities to provide users with enhanced experiences. Microsoft’s commitment to Bing Chat and its partnership with OpenAI signifies a pivotal shift in its approach.
Although Cortana will no longer be supported as a standalone app, Windows users will still find it in some form. The digital assistant will remain accessible in various applications, including Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams rooms, during this transitional phase. Microsoft 365 Copilot integration into productivity software like Outlook and Teams demonstrates the company’s dedication to enhancing AI-powered assistance across its ecosystem.
Embracing the Future
Understanding that the shift may impact how users work in Windows, Microsoft offers guidance to facilitate a seamless transition. Instead of relying on the Cortana app, users can leverage a range of alternatives, including Windows 11 voice access for controlling their PCs through voice commands. The AI-powered Bing platform, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Windows Copilot are additional tools that provide centralized AI assistance for Windows users, ensuring that productivity needs are well-served.
Implications for the Tech Industry
Microsoft’s pivot away from its first-generation assistant, Cortana, may set a precedent for other major tech players. Recently, Amazon promoted Rohit Prasad, head scientist for Alexa, to lead a team focused on developing artificial general intelligence. This move of Microsoft on Next-Gen AI indicates Amazon’s contemplation of how Alexa can evolve into a more advanced entity beyond its current status as a digital assistant. Apple, too, is exploring generative AI tools, although specific details on their release to customers are yet to be disclosed.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to remove Cortana marks a pivotal moment in the tech industry’s evolution towards more advanced AI-driven solutions. With Bing Chat and ChatGPT-like capabilities at the forefront of their strategy, Microsoft on Next-Gen AI is signaling a commitment to providing users with cutting-edge AI experiences in Windows 11 and beyond. As the landscape of digital assistants evolves, it will be fascinating to see how other tech giants respond to this paradigm shift, and how they embrace the potential of generative AI for future innovations.
SUGGESTED
Importing animated hair (x-gen) from Maya to Unreal
Assigning multiple characters to single character
Assigning multiple characters to single character
Importing character from mixamo to unreal
How to create 3d animations?
A Beginner’s Guide to 3D Animation
