Why Microsoft Is Pulling the Plug on Cortana: A Deep Dive ????

Introduction

Hey, corporate professionals! You're no stranger to the importance of technology, especially when it comes to voice-activated AI. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa have become household names, but what about Cortana? Microsoft's voice assistant is set to be discontinued in 2023. Let's explore why Microsoft is pulling the plug on Cortana and what it means for the future of voice AI.

The Origins of Cortana: A Voice Assistant for Phones ??

A Rocky Start ??

Cortana was initially designed as a voice assistant for Windows phones. However, Windows Phone struggled to gain market share, making it difficult for Cortana to find a solid user base.

Misunderstanding User Interactions ??

Microsoft's vision for Cortana reflected a broader misunderstanding of how people wanted to interact with their devices. This was evident in Windows 8, where Microsoft tried to force a touchscreen interface onto traditional desktops and laptops.

Cortana's Struggles on Windows ???

Not a Demanding Feature ??

Cortana was integrated into Windows 10 as Microsoft aimed to unify its phone ecosystem with its desktop OS. However, phone integration was not a feature that Windows users were clamoring for.

Redundancy and Intrusiveness ??

Cortana didn't offer much that consumers weren't already getting from their keyboard and mouse. Moreover, she could be annoyingly intrusive, unlike competitors that tended to stay out of the way.

The Smart Speaker Fiasco ??

Late to the Party ??

Microsoft tried to pivot Cortana into smart speakers, following Amazon's Alexa model. However, they were late to the game, launching the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker in late 2017, which was priced at a steep $200.

The Pandemic's Impact ??

Microsoft was actively trying to improve Cortana when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting progress. Important facilities, like a soundproof chamber for voice functionality testing, were closed, stifling any meaningful improvements.

The Future: Microsoft's AI Focus ??

Copilot: The Next Big Thing ??

Microsoft has shifted its focus to Copilot, a project developed by GitHub and OpenAI. Copilot integrates a large language model directly into Office and Windows to accomplish tasks like auto-generating reports and analyzing trends.

AI in Windows 11 and Beyond ???

Copilot features are already present in some aspects of Windows 11 and the Edge browser. It's safe to say that Microsoft will continue to invest in AI, just not in the form of a voice assistant like Cortana.

Final Thoughts ??

Cortana's discontinuation reflects Microsoft's strategic shift towards more practical AI applications. While Cortana may not have found her place in the AI landscape, her legacy will live on in Microsoft's future AI endeavors.