Microsoft virtual assistant Cortana began holding people to their promises on Thursday.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
At least, to commitments made in email messages.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, Cortana can help you remember things you\u2019ve said you would do in your emails \u2014 without you even having to ask,\u201d partner group program manager Marcus Ash said in a blog post.<\/p>\n
\u201cCortana automatically recognizes when you make a commitment in email messages and will proactively suggest a reminder to you to follow through at just the right time.\u201d<\/p>\n
An update to Cortana \u2014 Microsoft\u2019s digital assistant infused with artificial intelligence \u2014 enables it to recognize and make note when people promise in messages to tend to tasks, according to Ash.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve all been in the situation where we\u2019ve promised to do something in email, like send your boss a report by end of day, or purchase tickets to the movies for your date night,\u201d Ash said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the day goes on, emails pile up, and you quickly forget. Now Cortana has your back.\u201d<\/p>\n
People interested in using the feature will need to sign in to Cortana and give permission for it to peek into emails, according to Ash.<\/p>\n
Tech giants Amazon, Apple, Samsung, Google and Microsoft are all vying to develop the most sophisticated connected assistant.<\/p>\n
Amazon\u2019s virtual assistant Alexa was one of the big winners at this year\u2019s Consumer Electronics Show, cropping up in TVs, cars, fridges and more.<\/p>\n
Artificial intelligence is getting a foothold in people\u2019s homes, with personal assistants answering questions and controlling connected devices such as appliances or light bulbs.<\/p>\n
Digital assistants already boast features such as reminding people of appointments entered into calendars and chiming in with advice to set out early if traffic is challenging.\u2014AFP<\/p>\n
Image: Microsoft<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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