Cortana is one of the biggest Microsoft effort to make Windows more useful. The digital assistant is now rolling with the release of Windows Phone 8.1 and as the time passes Cortana will only get smarter. (We’re also expecting Microsoft’s assistant to arrive in Windows 9, but that’s a different topic for now.)
The software giant also isn’t restricting Cortana, one of its best feature is that third-parties can connect devices and services to create an even more immersive experience for Windows Phone customers. We will be seeing many companies jumping in the wagon of automation, but today the news is that Insteon is among the first companies integrating its home automation products with Cortana.
Insteon is one of the largest companies to sell home automation products such as smart light bulbs, thermostat, outlets and switches, and they will (later this year) release an updated app to integrate their products with Cortana.
After these ubiquitous devices become connected, you’ll be able to use Cortana in Windows Phone 8.1 to do things like:
- Ask Cortana to dim the lights for movie time based on specially created scenes.
- Instruct the thermostat to reduce the temperature at 6 p.m. to ensure that the house is cool upon returning home from work; Cortana will begin to learn your habits and automatically ask if you would like to turn the A/C on.
- Monitor the house when on vacation or a business trip by asking Cortana to check that all of the doors and windows are closed and locked.
And this is just the beginning, expect more companies to offer more products and apps to fully automate your home, making your life a bit easier.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].