Cortana is Microsofts Siri Rival

Screenshots of Microsoft's Siri-rival, cortana leaked online

Finally Microsoft is bringing a Siri-like voice based personal digital assistant Cortana. It is a part of the company's upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 OS, it will replace the built in Bing search functionality, and will take the appearance of an animated, circular icon, according to a report by The Verge.

Just like Apple's Siri the Cortana icon will animate while speaking or processing information, and allow users to choose how they'd like to be addressed. As per the report which also features screenshots, cortana will have the ability to save information and data in a Notebook system that will allow it to access information like location data, behaviour, personal information, reminders, and contact information. It will also offer notification alerts similar to Google Now.

One of the screenshots, which features Cortana's main screen, shows a blue coloured, circular icon. It also shows a Google Now like search box complete with the voice icon. The screen also features an icon for music which is most likely related to Bing's music recognition feature.

Another screenshot features Cortana's Settings screen. It offers a toggle for 'Cortana suggestions' warning users that they won't get suggestions, reminders, alerts and ideas from Cortana if they turn it off though nothing would be deleted from Cortana's Notebook. It also offers the opinion to allow Cortana to track flights and other information through email and the ability to change the name cortana uses for addressing the user.

It's worth pointing out that Cortana will be backed by data from services like Bing, Foursquare, and others in order to lend it some of the contextual power of Google Now.

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Cheaper Windows Tablets coming soon

Microsoft launching sub Rs 10,000 windows tablet

The slashing of license fees of Windows will enable Windows low cost tablets also like it has gathered the audience in low-cost Windows Smartphones. The required hardware specification will be reduced to bare minimum that is required for a good experience. The competitive edge is focused towards Android. 

Windows tablets are designed for the "pro"users but not the budget conscious audiences. The high-end tablets are nowhere near the iPads. Android tablets dominate the budget segment. Feeling its loss in high end market it is trying to enter the budget market dominated by Android. It is doubtful that the Microsoft will not be entering the entry-level tablet segment of Rs 5,000 but starting from Rs 10,000 in Mid 2014 in India.

There is no confirmed notice from Microsoft regarding the lowering of license fees for Windows 8.1, it is highly anticipated that to create cheaper tablets this move will be made in the near future. Microsoft has allegedly slashed the licensing fees and joined hands with local players like Karbonn and Xolo.

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Free Windows 8.1

Free Windows 8.1 being experimented by Microsoft

Microsoft is reportedly testing a free version of its Windows 8.1 which comes bundled with its Bing search engine this is a bid to persuade customers to upgrade to the latest version. Microsoft has provided its partners new affiliate assembly with additional SKU versions:9600.17024.WINBLUE_GDR_S14SKU_PARTNER.14 0214-1700, for example, connected with Bing Core Edition Windows 8.1 with maps Bing. Early versions of the software have already been leaked online and it looks like 'Windows 8.1 with Bing' is an experimental project that will bring a low-cost version of Windows to consumers.

The installation keys required in each install holds the key. Each SKU version requires your valid key installation. Personal keys we can not afford. Connected Core with Bing Edition Windows 8.1 worked. You can install Windows 8.1 Update 2014 Connected core with Bing Edition but will not be able to activate the assembly.

This is all increasing the number of versions of Windows in the Market and Bing edition will make it even confusing as to what to choose. Microsoft making it free will break many shackles and people will come back to Windows to see what it has to offer. With Bing making new inroads it is a worthy try.It is also suggested by the report that Microsoft is aiming to position Bing-powered version of Windows 8.1 as a free or low-cost upgrade for Windows 7 users. Microsoft is betting largely on Bing as a platform it can monetize in the future. it aims to make the new system easier for touchscreen users and give the same experience across PCs, phones and tablets.

Microsoft Windows finally free but what will it add up to us or Microsoft is what we have to wait and watch.

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