Microsoft has revealed that many upcoming universal apps that are being made for Windows 10, including Uber, Viber and Shopular, will have integrated support for the company's Cortana digital assistant. Over 500 Windows Phone 8.1 apps have already added support for that platform's version of Cortana.
As part of its Build 2015 developer conference announcements, Microsoft talked about how Window 10 apps can add Cortana to its features:
"Universal Windows apps integrate with Cortana through the Voice Command Definition extensibility API. When integrating with Cortana, an application can choose to get launched or choose to interact with customers through Cortana's user interface canvas. Immaterial of the actual method an app chooses to integrate with Cortana, she will always preserve and provide all context she has about the specific task at hand."
Microsoft offered an example of how the Uber driver app for Windows 10 will use Cortana:
"By integrating with Uber, Cortana will not only recommend an Uber for you at the exact time you need it based on your schedule, but will also order it for you. For example let's say you've purchased a movie ticket online and received an email confirmation. Cortana has this information and will display a reminder to you prior to the movie start time. Along with that reminder, Cortana will also give you the option to get a ride with Uber. If you choose Uber, Cortana will automatically fill in the pick-up and drop-off details and request you a ride. You have the option of editing the pick-up and drop-off location. Finally, track the location of your Uber, all from within Cortana.
Microsoft adds that more announcements of Cortana support for Windows 10 apps will be made before the PC version of the OS launches sometime later this summer.
Source: Microsoft
