Using Cortana to Ask Information, Dictate and Direct Your Windows Computer or Device
Also see: Windows for Seniors - Books from Amazon
Cortana is a digital personal assistant app built into Windows 10 and a variety of Windows devices. It's is able recognize commands and questions spoken and in natural language.
Virtually all computers now either have a built-in microphone or easily accommodate an external microphone. This is true also for most mobile telephone devices.
Most computers and electronic devices also are optimized for use with a personal assistant and verbal search capability.
Cortana is the search assistant feature for Windows 10 and various Windows compatible devices. The other major apps are Google Assistant for Android devices, Amazon Alexa used with Echo devices, and Siri for Apple devices.
Getting these set up is much easier today than even a year ago. Once you've got your application working and your audio, sound and wifi connections are intact, using your computer or device by voice just comes down to practice. It may help to get some coaching here, but many people can make good progress learning by experimenting with their own spoken search requests and commands.
Following on below are some sample commands for Microsoft's Cortana. I'll follow soon with mailings including similar tips for Google Assistant, Alexa for Echo, and Siri.
To use Cortana with your Windows 10 computer or compatible device, say the launch phrase, "Hey Cortana", followed by your command or question. Alternately, click the microphone in the search bar. To use it on a compatible phone, you'll use the Cortana app.
Depending on the devices you're using and what you do with your computer, this list indicates a range of popular categories of spoken commands and questions you can try out and use with Cortana:
- Alarm Commands
- App Commands
- Calendar Commands
- Commands for Maps and Directions
- Flight Commands
- General Informational Questions
- Music Commands
- News Commands
- Note Taking
- Phone Commands
- Questions for Local Business
- Sports Commands
- Stocks and Finance Questions
- Texting (SMS) Commands
- Weather Questions
The range of virtual assistant services is expanding rapidly. These are just a few of the most popular uses for householders.
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