Get to know Cortana’s roots and future in Windows and Windows Phone

There is no doubt that Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant we first met on Windows Phone, is a key part of the upcoming release of Windows 10 to desktops and other devices.

A lot of attention will be on the new version of the Start Menu/Start Screen and all the universal apps. However, Cortana will play a big role in the future of personal computing and Windows 10 will be the vehicle for her to reach a lot of computer users.

Earlier today the team behind Cortana at Microsoft published an extensive post on the Blogging Windows site to highlight the process that has brought her to prominence on Windows Phone and Windows 10.

Marcus Ash, the PM for Cortana and Search on Windows, brings together all of these interesting details and how Cortana has changed over time. She has made a transition from her Halo persona to this personal assistant that learns who you are and how she can help make your day move along smoother.

What’s really exciting about Cortana for Windows 10? Cortana will be there when you need assistance on Windows, remembering the context of what you’re asking for, and adapting behavior to you right where you are. Your experience is fluid, and roams with you across your devices. Cortana knows that when you’re on your phone, your interaction is generally going to be brief; when you’re on your PC, your goals are going to be in line with steady periods of productivity. We’ve developed new visions and new scenarios meant to make life easier, and more fun, regardless of the device you’re using.

I won’t quote the entire blog post for you but he does provide a 6 minute video that summarizes this initial blog post.  This post is expected to be part of a series over these next few months as Windows 10 continues development to take a deep dive on how Cortana comes together for Windows.