In a small, but significant, change Microsoft has dropped the requirement that users say "Hey Cortana" to call upon the digital assistant when using the Harmon Kardon Invoke speaker. Now, users can just say "Cortana" to light up the speaker and begin making requests or asking questions.
The shortened command does not work for Windows 10 PCs or on Android or iOS (yet).
One potential benefit of being able just to say "Cortana" is it prevents multiple Windows 10 devices possibly from triggering. In saying "Hey Cortana" the Invoke and any nearby Windows 10 PCs (and Mobile devices) could all awake and take the command.
The new ability comes on the heels of many new features in Cortana – at least in the U.S. – including support for Ecobee, IFTTT, and the ability to do things like check for new emails and even responding to them.
Microsoft also hinted during its official Windows Insider Mixer stream that more smart speakers may be coming soon, including to the U.K. For now, we'll have to wait and see.
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
