Microsoft has recently announced the discontinuation of its beloved digital assistant, Cortana, for Windows 11. After a three-year journey, the company is rolling out an update that disables the Cortana app, marking the end of an era. This decision follows the previous discontinuation of Cortana apps for iOS and Android, signaling a shift in Microsoft’s digital assistant strategy.
The Journey Comes to an End: Windows 11 users attempting to launch Cortana will now be greeted with a notice informing them of the app’s deprecation. A link to a support article detailing the change accompanies the notice. This move aligns with Microsoft’s plan to conclude support for Cortana in Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams Display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms by the fall of 2023. Interestingly, Cortana within Outlook mobile will remain available, providing a unique exception to the discontinuation.
From Windows Phone to Windows 11: Cortana’s origins trace back to its introduction as a digital assistant for Windows Phone. Microsoft extended its reach by integrating it into Windows 10 in 2015. The digital assistant seamlessly integrated into the Windows 10 taskbar, offering users voice commands, reminders, and even the ability to open applications. While Cortana was removed from the Windows 11 taskbar and initial boot experience, the standalone app persevered until this recent development.
Challenges and Competition: Cortana faced significant competition from rivals like Alexa and Google Assistant. Despite a major redesign for iOS and Android, Cortana struggled to maintain its competitive edge. The ultimate fate of Cortana was intricately tied to Microsoft’s Windows Phone setbacks. Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, openly acknowledged Cortana’s inability to keep pace with its competitors.
A New Direction with Windows Copilot: Microsoft’s pivot away from Cortana has paved the way for Windows Copilot, a new sidebar for Windows 11 powered by Bing Chat. Windows Copilot promises to offer comprehensive control over Windows settings, answering user queries, and more. This innovative addition is set to debut in a forthcoming Windows 11 update, coinciding with the introduction of native RAR and 7-Zip support.
Conclusion: As Microsoft bids adieu to Cortana, users reflect on the digital assistant’s journey, from its inception as a Windows Phone feature to its eventual discontinuation in Windows 11. The tech giant’s new direction with Windows Copilot represents a step forward in providing users with enhanced capabilities and a fresh approach to digital assistance. The tech world eagerly awaits the impact of this evolution on the Windows ecosystem.
