Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana could be split off from Windows 10 to become its own separate app. As highlighted by The Verge, Microsoft has added a standalone beta version of Cortana to the Windows Store that is now available to download and try.
This move suggests that Microsoft will choose to update the voice assistant separately from Windows in future. It could make Cortana more agile, giving developers the chance to update without having to push wider updates. A separate app may also one day give users more control over its usage, allowing them to uninstall it if they don’t want it on their machines.
Having a standalone Cortana app could also cut down on pre-installed clutter in Windows 10, leading to a leaner installation for those that don’t use the digital assistant.
It has also been working on other improvements for Cortana like more natural-sounding conversations which make conversing with the assistant feel more like interacting with a real person.
Cortana began its life as an OS assistant, but has since launched on different platforms including iOS devices, thermostats and smart speakers. This latest iteration could be one way to promote Cortana as its own entity.
