Microsoft is rolling out updates to Windows Phone 8.1 today, which includes access to its digital voice assistant Cortana in several new countries.
The UK and China will be graced with localised versions of Cortana – with the feature receiving a regional makeover for the former that will include a British accent.
Elsewhere, countries including India, Canada and Australia are to receive an even earlier “alpha” version of the digital voice assistant as part of the Windows Phone update.
Analysts have cited this is as an odd move from Microsoft, despite the fact that tech companies are regularly issuing unfinished software and hardware to their customers in return for their valuable feedback.
Microsoft claims that it is just giving consumers what they want. The tech giant cited the fact that users around the world have been changing their location setting to US in order to receive the function.
Some local content will accompany the alpha versions of Cortana, but the overall offering will be more limited in comparison to the localised versions being released in China and the US.
Microsoft, however, has indicated that the system’s reliance upon machine learning will lead to Cortana improving and customising itself to suit a user’s needs.
In an official press release, Microsoft added that the UK version of Cortana will support UK spellings and pronunciations. It also features local information on sports, the London Stock Exchange and commuter conditions among other functions.
The update also includes the US, where Cortana will include more natural-language scenarios and a snooze option for reminders. Drivers will also be able to interact with the assistant hands-free via their phone’s bluetooth kit.
