Microsoft opened its annual Build conference in San Francisco today by unveiling a new virtual assistant for Windows phones and announcing a Windows 8.1 operating system update.
The assistant, named Cortana, tries to be chatty like Siri on Apple's iPhones and iPads, while anticipating information you might want, like Google Now on Android devices.
Cortana will warn you of conflicts when you add items to your calendar, and it will remind you to ask about the new dog your sister just got the next time you communicate with her, whether that's by phone, chat or email. It will offer to remind you of upcoming travel by scanning your email.
Cortana is among the new features coming to a Windows Phone update called 8.1. The company says it will be available on new phones in about a month and will be available as an update on existing phones a few months later.
In addition to Windows Phone announcements, Microsoft is also updating its Windows 8.1 system for tablets, laptops and desktops. Although Microsoft has been pushing touch-screen controls, the new update is designed to make it easier for those with traditional keyboard and mouse controls.
As CNET reports, the system will automatically detect whether a user is on a tablet or desktop, and adjust accordingly. The Windows 8.1 update also offers a combination of touch-screen tiles and the traditional Start Button, which many users missed when it was dropped from Windows 8.
The update is available starting Tuesday, April 8.
