Boston, MA 02/06/2014 (wallstreetpr) – A new report has indicated that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is slated to launch a virtual assistant that will be used for Windows Phone 8.1. This new virtual assistant will be structured around the foursquare technology. It has been named after Cortana, the Halo character and will match the location data of a user with location data that will be sourced from Foursquare’s massive database. This will permit Cortana to customize the search results on the basis of locations and it will also promote businesses in the vicinity that are offering discounts, as per the report from Verge. Somewhat on the lines of Siri, Cortana will be able to access system apps such as the local weather, alarm, calls and calendar.
The Cortana magic
Very recently, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) invested $15M in Foursquare. The aim was to provide enhanced location-specific data for the company’s mobile services and apps and Cortana is a standing example of this. This virtual assistant has now been in development for use in the Windows Phone since June 2013, if not more. There is some news that it might be incorporated on Personal Computers as well as the Xbox. Cortana is slated for an April launch. That is when Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s final version for its Windows Phone 8.1 update will be publicly released. With this latest deal, the company will be able to access all the WP apps and offer users personalized deals.
The rivals
Cortana will be voice-activated and rumors have it that developers will get a peek of it in early April at the much–awaited BUILD conference. As per some other latest reports, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd (KRX:005930) might be launching a Windows Phone 8.1 handset in 2014 and there is a possibility that other players will enter the fray too. There are some rumors that Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) has at least 2 of these devices that are currently under development. They have been codenamed Moneypenny and Goldfinger. Later this month, Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) is slated to hold a press event at the MWC 2014 trade. However, there is still no solid news from the company about any Windows Phone 8.1 devices.
