Categories: SoftwareWorkspace

Microsoft Stops Cortana Working With Anything Except Bing And Edge

Microsoft has updated Cortana on Windows 10 so searches can only be made using its Bing search engine via the Edge browser.

The crafty move might boost Microsoft’s share of the search and browser markets, but users of Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox or Apple’s Safari might be put off using the voice-activated personal assistant entirely.

Read More: Windows 10 Review

Compromised?

In a blog post explaining the move, Microsoft states “Cortana was designed to work with Microsoft Edge and is powered by Bing.”

“The only way we can confidently deliver this personalised, end-to-end search experience is through the integration of Cortana, Microsoft Edge and Bing – all designed to do more for you,” wrote Ryan Gavin, Microsoft’s general manager of search and Cortana.

The company claims the shift in stance is because some programmers were working around the design of Windows 10 to redirect users to other search providers which were apparently not designed to work with Cortana.

This, Microsoft says, results in a “compromised experience”  as Cortana depends on using Bing and Microsoft Edge to properly complete its tasks. However, the company is keen to emphasise that users are able to continue to use their favourite browsers and search engine on Windows 10 – just not with Cortana.

“Our promise to you is that Windows 10 will provide you with great search results and a personalised, reliable search experience through Cortana and Microsoft Edge,” added Gavin. “We will continue to work hard to provide you with the amazing experience you expect from Windows, while keeping you in control and helping you do great things.”

To show off this inter-dependence, Microsoft is also launching a number of new features which it hopes will enrich the Cortana experience. This included an example of a request to Cortana for concert ticket information, which would then open up a page in Edge with most of the registration information (learnt from previous purchases) already filled in.

What do you know about Windows 10? Try our quiz?

Microsoft Launches Windows 10

Picture 1 of 8

Mike Moore

Michael Moore joined TechWeek Europe in January 2014 as a trainee before graduating to Reporter later that year. He covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to mobile devices, wearable tech, the Internet of Things, and financial technology.

Recent Posts

Amazon Pumps Another $2.75 Billion Into Anthropic

Amazon completes its $4bn investment into AI firm Anthropic, after providing an additional $2.75bn in…

2 hours ago

The Sustainability of AI

While AI promises unparalleled efficiency, productivity, and innovation, questions regarding its environmental impact loom large.…

4 hours ago

Trump’s Truth Social Makes Successful Market Debut

Shares in Donald Trump’s social media company rose about 16 percent after first day of…

5 hours ago

Dutch PM Raises Cyber Espionage Case With China’s Xi

Beijing visit sees Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte discuss cyber espionage incident with Chinese President…

6 hours ago

Vodafone Germany Confirms 2,000 Job Losses, Amid European Restructuring

More downsizing at Vodafone after German operation announces 2,000 jobs will be axed, as automation…

22 hours ago

AI Poses ‘Jobs Apocalypse’, Warns Report

IPPR report warns AI could remove almost 8 million jobs in the United Kingdom, with…

23 hours ago