Microsoft working on passive-voice activation for Cortana

While request Cortana various questions on Windows Telephone 8.1 is natural, the way in which one enables the personal voice assistant isn't quite as fluid. Users need to printing down on the Search key or press the Alive Tile and microphone before Cortana enables, and while it's not hard there are better solutions available.

One of the solutions is passive-voice activation, which is something users of the Xbox One with Kinect should know. Passive-voice activation allows users to engage the AI or organisation simply by using their voice. Besides, the Motorola Moto Ten with Android can as well activated by explicitly stating 'Ok, Google Now.' The phone will and so come awake, letting users make appointments, starting their music, or sending a text message without ever touching the phone.

Although Cortana is nevertheless in its beta stage, many are curious as to when passive-voice activation volition go far, as it seems like the next reasonable step. Marcus Ash, Grouping Program Director for Cortana on Windows Phone, has once more taken to Twitter to tease the feature:

"Something to think about as we design voice activation for #Cortana. Don't desire Jesse sending texts on your behalf."

Ash is referring to the new Xbox One commercial featuring 'Breaking Bad' Star Aaron Paul. In the advertisement, Paul says 'Xbox On' and for anyone with an Xbox I and Kinect arrangement, their organization may accidentally plough on as a effect. Clearly, this is a downside to passive-voice activation and something that Ash and his team are taking into consideration when further designing Cortana.

Of class, the big surprise there is that Ash just admitted that Microsoft is actively developing voice activation. That news is non necessarily surprising, but it is reassuring.

The one caveat to this feature is when information technology arrives, it volition most probable only work on newer Snapdragon 800 and college chipsets. The power to leave microphones on for passive activation is not a lilliputian affair to enable on whatever telephone (unless you're the NSA, we suppose). That means in designing and enabling this feature, Microsoft may take to somewhat fragment the Cortana experience, frustrating some users who have older hardware. But like all things in technology, the spoils go to those with the latest gadgets.

Ash is no stranger to Twitter lately, often revealing interesting $.25 of information most Cortana, including alternative names and encouraging Windows Phone users that their Os was height priority for development. Ash also recently discussed the origins of the phonation assistant, including mass adoption past international users in a video featured on Windows Phone Central.

What do you think of passive vocalization activation? Would it make using Cortana easier for you? Would information technology entice you to buy a new phone with supported hardware for the feature?

Source: @MarcusAsh; via Neowin

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