Microsoft announced a host of updates to Cortana at its annual Build developer conference, including a more conversational approach — complete with jokes — and the ability to take info from your email or calendar to help you plan trips or remind you to complete those tasks you’ve been slacking on.
Better, you can now use Cortana directly from your lock screen.
There are also more proactive features, such as suggesting restaurants or finding take-out menus when you have a lunch meeting. Cortana understands natural language rather well – such as asking her to send a contact a document you “worked on yesterday” to surface the correct file you might be referring to.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
The idea is for Cortana to become less of a novelty and more of an actual assistant that follows you everywhere, not one that’s limited to one device or platform. Cortana Developer Preview will be available today.
Don’t miss: Everything Microsoft announced at Build 2016: Day 1
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.