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Microsoft unveils Cortana, its answer to Siri and Google Now
Microsoft has just announced Cortana, a new voice search tool for Windows Phone 8.1. Powered by Bing, it will eventually replace the search function in Windows Phone, and you'll be able to access it (her?) through a special Live Tile. On top of search, it can make calls, send texts, take notes, give reminders and set alarms. Microsoft also said that it'll work with third-party apps, and that it's already been working with select developers like Hulu and Facebook. To show that Cortana isn't just vaporware, despite its beta status, Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore ran through a demo at Build 2014 -- more details after the break.
Windows Phone 8.1 and Cortana officially revealed at Build 2014
As predicted, Microsoft is using its Build developer conference to launch Windows Phone 8.1, the latest and (we hope) greatest version of its mobile OS. The company's fed us a bunch of information about the update already, and a vast number of leaks have covered nearly all remaining features. Still, it's about time for us to get the skinny on everything the new upgrade entails, so let's break down exactly what you can expect from Windows Phone going forward.
Microsoft's opening-day Build keynote is happening now, get your liveblog here!
It's technically called "Build Windows." But this year, the biggest news coming out of Microsoft's annual developer conference might not have much to do with Windows at all. Sure, we're expecting a software update, for which we've already seen copious leaks. But what about Windows Phone? Is version 8.1 on the way? Maybe we'll even hear about Cortana, Microsoft's answer to Siri. And hey, what of Nokia? Is this acquisition gonna ever close or what? Lastly, can we see some new hardware? Might we catch a glimpse of some new phones ahead of tonight's Nokia shindig? Your guess is as good as ours, which means you'll want to follow our liveblog as we give you the blow-by-blow. April 2, 2014 11:30:00 AM EDT
Microsoft plans to bring Windows to robots and 'a whole new class of small devices'
Microsoft's Build 2014 kicks off tomorrow, but it's not just Windows Phones, tablets, Office or even the return of Clippy. Redmond has plans to bring its operating system, well, everywhere else. A Windows on Devices site has apparated into existence, mentioning robots, talking bears, the Internet of Things and Intel's Galileo acting as developmental hardware. It looks like Microsoft's planning a charm offensive on the maker community, with the site linking out to a Big-styled -- presumably Microsoft-powered -- floor keyboard as well as Maker Faire. The first SDK will appear soon, (by the end of Spring 2014) with additional releases through out the year. Microsoft says it'll have a life-sized piano to show-off its Windows on Devices conceit and naturally, it reckons its cloud services will serve as the perfect online accompaniment.
Windows Phone 8.1's new store may help you find apps faster
Windows Phone 8.1 may not just add a bevy of software features -- it may improve how you find software, too. WPCentral claims to have leaked details of a Windows Phone Store revamp in the OS that reportedly makes it easier to discover hot apps. Featured titles would take center stage in this new portal, and new sections would help you sift through fast-rising apps or specific categories. Upgrades could soon be less of hassle, for that matter. A new My Apps area would let you check for updates without waiting for notifications, and you could (finally!) tell Windows Phone to update apps automatically. There's no certainty that this storefront will make it into the final WP8.1 release, but you won't have to wait long for confirmation.
Nokia promises 'more Lumia' at April 2nd event
Windows Phone fans have more to look forward to this April than just the formal unveiling of Windows Phone 8.1 -- Nokia has sent out invitations for an April 2nd event in San Francisco that should deliver "more Lumia." The notice doesn't give any real hints as to what will be at the presentation. However, the event takes place on the first day of Microsoft's Build developer conference. Don't be shocked if Nokia unveils devices that need Windows Phone 8.1 to run, such as the rumored Lumia 630 (Moneypenny) and Lumia 930 (Martini). No matter what shows up, we'll be there to give you the full scoop.
Leaked screenshots reveal Cortana, Microsoft's digital assistant for Windows Phone
We already know that Microsoft is set to become the last major player to launch a digital assistant, but previews of what "Cortana" will look like have been almost non-existent. Now, thanks to leaked screenshots from The Verge, we're getting our first look at what to expect when the company's Siri rival makes its public debut with the launch of Windows Phone 8.1. Confirming earlier reports, Microsoft has opted for a circular animated icon as its primary UI element, which will use the same highlight color you've chosen on your Windows Phone device. That icon will reportedly jump about the screen as it asks you questions and responds to your requests. Cortana can also be tweaked to personalize greetings, allowing you to change your name or set a nickname for when it provides alerts, offers suggestions or displays reminders. Microsoft appears to be taking a few pages out of Apple's and Google's playbooks, which is further evidenced by the inclusion of a setting that will index your emails in order to track flights and other services -- just like Google Now. It's not clear whether Microsoft will add more services to its assistant before Windows Phone 8.1 makes its way to devices, or if it will even stick with the Cortana codename, but we may only have to wait a month until we find out for sure.
Microsoft may preview Windows 'Threshold' in April, launch it in 2015
Microsoft may have just released Windows 8.1 a few months ago, but it's reportedly on the cusp of previewing its next major Windows version, Threshold. The SuperSite for Windows hears from sources that Microsoft will provide a "vision" for the OS at its Build conference in early April. While there aren't many details of what the software involves beyond an emphasis on cross-platform unity, the tipsters claim that Threshold will likely be called Windows 9 and center around a refined interface that's better-suited to desktop users. Whatever the OS looks like, don't expect to see it in action this spring. Provided the rumors are accurate, the crew in Redmond would only start work on Threshold after Build, and it would ship the finished code in April 2015. The sneak peek would mostly set expectations for developers worried about Windows' future in an unreceptive PC market.
