Microsoft launched Cortana with a big ambition but couldn’t make it good enough to attract consumers. Now the company has shifted the strategy for Cortana and confirmed several changes.
Microsoft will discontinue the Cortana apps available on several platforms including Android, iOS, and Harman Kardon Invoke speakers in 2021. First Gen Surface Headphones will also lose access to Cortana.
The company will release firmware update to devices connected to Wi-Fi within six months of its release and block Cortana access.
Now the company will focus on Cortana’s productivity features. The company will work on improving integration on Microsoft 365, Windows 10, Outlook, and Teams apps.
Harman Kardon Invoke owners will receive a consolation offer of a $50 gift card because this update will turn their smart speaker into a normal Bluetooth Speaker. Surface Headphones owners will also receive $25 gift card.
That means Cortana isn’t going away, but it will be now work with other Microsoft software to improve user experience on those apps.
