Microsoft is killing its Cortana app on Windows later this 2023, the company confirms in its support document.
The Cortana app, built-in on PCs, is losing its support before the year ends amid the growing popularity of AI-powered services such as the GPT-powered Bing AI and Co-Pilot AI.
Microsoft Windows Cortana App Shuts Down in Late 2023
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Cortana, Microsoft's personal assistant software, has Danny MacAskill in a spin on the Thames at Westminster Pier on November 19, 2014 in London, England.
If you have not noticed, Microsoft offers a personal virtual assistant platform for all Windows users. It enables them to ask questions, open apps, and other basic commands like setting reminders.
As per XDA Developers, the built-in service debuted way back in 2015 on Windows 10. It is the Redmond giant's take on Apple Siri on iPhones and Macs or Google Assistant for Android users. It resembles Amazon's Alexa too.
The virtual assistant app first appeared on the now-defunct Windows Phone operating system in 2014. In other words, it has been there for quite some time now. To make it more obvious, Microsoft dished it out to its widely-used apps, including Office, and other third-party devices, such as the Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker.
But after several years, Microsoft is giving up on its Cortana app as new services like Bing AI and Co-Pilot AI start making waves.
Windows Central noticed that Microsoft updated its dedicated support page for Cortana. The Remond-based firm says, "We will no longer support Cortana in Windows as a standalone app" starting later this year. The memo also urges users to take advantage of newer tools like voice access to control their PC through voice commands.
The renowned tech behemoth failed to disclose the exact date it plans to kill support for its virtual assistant platform. But based on the announcement, Cortana is bidding farewell before the year ends.
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Bing, Co-Pilot AI Taking Over?
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Modern Life, Search, and Devices, speaks during a keynote address announcing ChatGPT integration for Bing at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, on February 7, 2023.
According to The Verge, Cortana's retirement no longer comes as a surprising move. Microsoft has been working on new AI-powered digital assistants like Co-Pilot AI, which allows users to do more things. Besides adjusting the settings of your PC, it summarizes long content and answers questions.
The tech juggernaut is also developing its Bing chatbot, now available for its testing phase. It is powered by the viral AI platform GPT. So it works slightly the same, letting users ask questions or enter their desired prompts.
Even before these two entered the picture, Microsoft seems to be gearing up for Cortana's retirement. The Verge highlights that the digital assistant left the taskbar since Windows 11 rolled out, making it less accessible. Not to mention the Cortana app for Android and iPhone users shut down last 2020.
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