Microsoft is shutting down its digital assistant Cortana on a number of devices come 2021. The company is rethinking the future of Cortana, pivoting it away from a Google Assistant alternative.
Instead, Microsoft wants you to think of Cortana differently – as a transformational AI-powered assistant. Cortana will now be your go-to productivity-focused assistant embedded inside Windows 10, Outlook Mobile and in Microsoft Teams mobile app.
“We’ve spent a lot of time thinking through this transition and understand that these changes may be disruptive to some of our customers.”
In early 2021, Microsoft will stop supporting the Cortana app for mobile (iOS and Android). At the same time, end support for the Cortana integration in the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker (in January 2021) and remove original Cortana functionality in first-gen Surface Headphones.
Part of the main reason for the change is because of lower usage, according to the company.
“We look forward to continuing to innovate on ways Cortana can help you navigate the modern workplace so you can save time and focus on the things that matter most in your day,” Microsoft said.