Now that you're used to speaking to Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa and Google's... OK Google, Microsoft's hoping you'll be just as inclined to speak to its personal assistant software, Cortana.
Cortana is coming to the Xbox One in an update this summer — she's the Microsoft-developed AI software that gets its name from the "Halo" video game character.
While some folks are already speaking with Cortana on computers with Windows 10 and a microphone, millions of Xbox One users will soon have the same opportunity. And before you ask: no, you don't need to have a Kinect hooked up — Cortana will also work with the Xbox One chat headset or even via text if you'd prefer.
What's the benefit of Cortana on Xbox One?
Here's what Microsoft says:
- Better voice search using more natural language
- Find videos and images of games while you're playing them
- Cortana works across devices, so you can set a reminder from you Xbox One that will also show up on your Windows 10 computer, phone, tablet, etc.
You can also use Cortana like you would use Siri or Alexa, in asking for various media to play or whatever else. Asking Cortana to play Kendrick Lamar's newest album, for instance, might open the console's music app and start playing the album. Sadly, unlike Siri or Alexa, there's nowhere near the level of deep integration with services like Uber or Spotify because they don't exist on the Xbox One.
Which is to say: Cortana is a nice addition to the Xbox One, but the Xbox One isn't replacing your Amazon Echo anytime soon. Cortana arrives on the Xbox One this summer alongside the Windows 10 Anniversary update.
