A few weeks ago, we reported that some modifications to Cortana were occurring for a select few people running the Windows Phone 8.1 Preview for Developers. By the time we posted an article the changes had rolled back, signaling that Microsoft was testing the waters with the refresh to their new personal assistant.
Since around midnight last night, a few users in our forums are once again seeing the changes, including the screenshots posted below. In addition, a few tips have rolled in from people noticing the new improvements. Unfortunately, only one of the writers on the Windows Phone Central staff have the updates yet, so it's not clear if this is a slow rollout, testing or something else.
The changes to Cortana reportedly include all or a few of the following:
- Asking "What is my name?" and having Cortana speak it back
- Importing of your Stock watch list from Bing Finance
- New animations on the Live Tile, including weather icons
- Cortana will verbally respond to select inquiries (not just chitchat)
- Modified layout of news, including dividers between sections and a smaller font
- New quiz option at the bottom of today view to let Cortana learn a bit more about your personal interests/habits.
- New "Give Cortana Feedback" link at the bottom of Cortana's today view.
Microsoft can dynamically update Cortana because the pages generated are in HTML5, meaning there is no need for a software update on the phone. Microsoft creates the update on the servers, and pushes them to users when demanded. Some of those enhancements include increased usage of Jen Taylor – the original voice of Cortana in the Halo gaming franchises – when asking questions and engaging her for personal information.
Microsoft recently indicated that Cortana would be updated twice a month in an effort to bring new features and improvements to users on a regular basis.
Like yourselves, we'll be eagerly checking our phones all day to see if we notice any modifications. Sound off in comments if you have them or if you have observed any other changes that we have not noted in the above list.
Source: Windows Phone Central forums; Also, thanks to SONNY, Rahul, and Quoc-Thy N, for additional information; images courtesy of Georgi Ivanov3

Chrome Remote Desktop is good, like, REALLY good, on Windows 10
We've all had to explore new ways of working in recent times and if remotely accessing your PC is something you'd like to do, Chrome Remote Desktop is the way to do it. There's no need to look at anything else.

Got a Surface Pro and need a dock? Read this.
If your Surface Pro is your main PC, you can use a docking station to turn it into a powerful workstation. Here's our recommendation for the best dock.

These are the best deals on Xbox consoles you'll find this month
If you're in the market for a new Xbox One console, you'll want to check these deals out first.

Going all-in on crypto mining? These are the best GPUs for you.
If you're looking for the right graphics card to get into mining for cryptocurrencies, you need one of these. We've rounded up the absolute best graphics cards to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.