This is Cortana running on the Windows 10 desktop (video)

As Cortana arrives to new European countries, the big news today comes from a private build of Windows 10 that shows for the first time a working version of Cortana. In a new video published by WinBeta in YouTube demos the Microsoft’s digital assistant fully.

Cortana for Windows 10 still heavily under development and the elements shown in the video does not reflect the final version. For those wondering, recent information suggests that Microsoft will include a working version of its digital assistant in the January Technical Preview due next month, where the company will also show additional consumer features.

You may also be wondering, what Cortana for the desktop can do? It comes as no surprise that Cortana can do anything the version of Windows Phone can do. However here responses are limited and buggy. For example, you can’t not chit-chat with her with personal questions and trying to access the calendar will fail because she still not fully connected to services and databases. Though, you can set reminders.

SEE ALSO: Cortana for Windows 10 slowly arrives to the consumer preview builds

At this point Cortana for Windows 10 appears as expected by clicking the search button on the taskbar. In the video you’ll notice, a white page with a search box, a button that’s labeled “Start Listening”, a menu button in the top-right corner and the iconic circle animation in the top-left corner.

If you want to call someone, Cortana will launch Skype, if the contact information is in your address book. This is a different behavior compare to Windows Phone where you can actually place a phone call. Though, it’ll be interesting if future updates allows to place actual phone call through Cortana, like you can place calls from a Mac.

Even at this early stage, Cortana can talk back and still preserves the voice of the actress Jen Taylor, same as the Windows Phone.

It’s important to make it clear that this version of Cortana comes from an unreleased build of Windows 10, which is much older of the build Windows Insiders are currently using. As such we can expect even a better version of her, next month, when Microsoft releases the January Technical Preview, which is also said will include support for Continuum. Regardless of what the future of Cortana for the Windows 10 desktop might be, it’s exciting to see how everything is coming together.

Source WinBeta YouTube

About the author

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.