Windows’ Cortana is back from the dead, and you’re not going to like her new form

For those who fondly remember the Vista era, the name Cortana may evoke a sense of nostalgia. Once heralded as a digital assistant designed to simplify tasks through voice commands, Cortana ultimately fell short of expectations and was phased out. However, in a surprising twist, Microsoft has reintroduced this familiar concept under a new guise: Copilot.

Cortana’s Evolution into Copilot

Recently unveiled on the Windows Insider blog, the latest update for users in the Copilot preview branch brings a fresh yet familiar feature set. This update, while modest in size, carries an unmistakable echo of its predecessor:

Press to talk: This feature allows users to engage with Copilot using their voice via a hotkey, ensuring seamless interaction without disrupting ongoing tasks. To initiate a voice conversation, simply hold the Alt + Spacebar for two seconds. Concluding the dialogue is as easy as pressing the Esc key. If there is a pause in conversation, Copilot will automatically end the session, and the microphone icon will vanish from the screen.

For many, this functionality may feel strikingly reminiscent of Cortana, complete with voice commands and a dedicated hotkey. However, it appears that this new iteration of Copilot operates with a different set of permissions; users can no longer adjust system settings through voice commands. Instead, the commands direct users to the Copilot app, allowing interaction akin to that of a web browser or desktop application.

The concept of conversing with a digital assistant is not novel; voice-activated bots have been a staple on PCs and mobile devices for some time. Yet, the question remains: will this Copilot update resonate with users as Microsoft hopes? Personally, I find myself leaning towards text-based prompts, as they allow for more thoughtful crafting of requests. Nevertheless, for those eager to embrace this new feature, resources are available to help maximize the potential of Copilot in Windows 11. Additionally, users can explore the array of new functionalities introduced in Microsoft 365 designed to enhance productivity.