How to Buy Cortana

Your Guide to buying the best Cortana

Overview

Cortana is Microsoft's virtual assistant, designed to help you stay organized and on top of your day-to-day tasks. This buying guide will provide you with all the necessary information on how to choose the best Cortana setup for your needs, including how to choose the right hardware and software, how to set up Cortana step-by-step, and what features and benefits you can expect from using Cortana. With this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision when it comes to setting up Cortana for yourself.

Key features

  1. Platform - Before purchasing Cortana, consider which platform you are using - Windows 10, Android, iOS, etc. Cortana is available for different platforms, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your needs.
  2. Voice Recognition - Cortana supports voice recognition, allowing you to issue commands and ask questions without typing. Determine if this feature is important to you as some versions of Cortana do not support it.
  3. Ease of Use - Cortana is designed to be user-friendly, but the interface may vary depending on the platform you are using. Be sure to research the interface of your chosen platform to ensure it is easy to use.
  4. Integration - Cortana can integrate with other applications, such as Office 365, Outlook, and Skype. Consider which applications you use and research which ones are compatible with Cortana.
  5. Compatibility - Consider which devices Cortana is compatible with. If you are using multiple devices, you may need to purchase a version of Cortana that is compatible with all of them.

See the most popular Cortana on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Integration with Windows 10 - Cortana is integrated into Windows 10, allowing users to access it quickly and easily.
  • Personalization - Cortana can be personalized to suit individual user needs, from reminders to weather alerts.
  • Intelligence - Cortana is powered by Microsoft’s AI technology, allowing it to understand user intent and provide relevant information and answers.
  • Flexibility - Cortana is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Data Security - Cortana uses encryption to protect user data, providing an extra layer of security.
  • Multilingual Support - Cortana can recognize and understand multiple languages, allowing users to use it regardless of their native language.

Cons

  • Expense: Cortana is part of the Microsoft Office Suite, which requires a paid subscription.
  • Limited Platforms: Cortana is only available on Windows devices, making it somewhat limiting for people who use other operating systems.
  • Privacy Issues: Cortana collects a lot of data about its users, which can be a concern if privacy is a priority.
  • Inconsistent Performance: Cortana's performance can vary depending on the user's device, internet connection, and other factors.
  • Limited Functionality: The capabilities of Cortana are quite limited compared to other digital assistants.

Best alternatives

  1. Google Assistant - A voice-controlled virtual assistant developed by Google.
  2. Siri - Apple's virtual assistant that is built into its iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
  3. Alexa - Amazon's virtual assistant that is built into its Echo range of products.
  4. Bixby - Samsung's virtual assistant that is built into its Galaxy smartphones.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Cortana compatible device - a device that supports and is compatible with Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant.
  • Cortana app - an app available for iOS or Android that allows you to connect your Cortana compatible device and access its features.
  • Voice Activated Speaker - A voice activated speaker like an Amazon Echo or Google Home that can be used to interact with Cortana.
  • Computer - A computer with Windows 10 or higher installed can use Cortana as a digital assistant.
  • Headphones - Headphones that are compatible with Cortana and can be used to interact with the digital assistant, or to listen to audio on a Cortana compatible device.

Common questions

  1. What does Cortana do?
    Cortana is a virtual assistant powered by Microsoft. It can help you with tasks like setting reminders and alarms, finding information, and more.
  2. Which platforms does Cortana work on?
    Cortana works on Windows 10 devices, Android, and iOS platforms.
  3. How do I access Cortana?
    On Windows 10 devices, Cortana can be accessed through the search bar or by saying “Hey, Cortana.” On Android and iOS, you can access Cortana through the app.
  4. Is Cortana free?
    Yes, Cortana is free to use for all platforms.
  5. What language does Cortana understand?
    Cortana can understand English (US), Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese.
  6. Can Cortana understand voice commands?
    Yes, Cortana can understand voice commands on all platforms.
  7. What type of information can Cortana provide?
    Cortana can provide information about the weather, your calendar, maps and directions, traffic, stocks, sports scores, and more.
  8. Can Cortana help me with productivity tasks?
    Yes, Cortana can help you with tasks such as setting reminders and alarms, creating reminders, and tracking packages.
  9. Can I control my connected devices using Cortana?
    Yes, Cortana can be used to control connected devices such as thermostats, lights, and music players.

Trivia

Cortana has a sense of humor and is known for delivering witty responses to questions, such as when asked "Who is your boss?", she responds with "You are, according to your phone." She also responds to questions about her age, with answers such as "I'm older than you think, but not as old as I look." Cortana is also known to have her own catchphrases, like "Boom!", "Let's do it" and "What can I do for you?"

Source: Windows Central

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.