Microsoft will release Indian avatar of Cortana soon

BANGALORE, INDIA: In this era of personalization, you can't afford to invest in a 'one size fits all' concept for your product, especially if you want to design an intelligent personal digital assistant. Microsoft understands this and hence is in the process of adding local touch to its personal digital assistant, Cortana.

This is to embrace the uniqueness and local cultures of different markets. Cortana will be customized to reflect the local language, and speech patterns of each country, said Microsoft.

Microsoft is working with focus groups to get insights on local markets and cultures. To build a relevant, tailored experience for each market rollout, it is depending on the local teams of creative writers, editors, programmers and voice talent as well. For example, in the Chinese market, Cortana's voice will sound like she is smiling.

Microsoft will also fine tune Cortana's personality to be acceptable in different markets. For example, dryness and irony will be the characteristic traits of Cortana in UK as UK values self-deprecating humor. You might find playful sarcasm in her responses if she senses you’re fooling around. And in Japan, you will see Cortana bow, as a high level of politeness is valued, said Marcus Ash, Group Program Manager for Cortana.

Simiarly, Cortana will also be aware of important cultural heritage in each market. In India, you might see passing references on cricket and Sachin Tendulkar in Cortana's responses.

Cortana

Understanding the uniqueness of each market, and the cultural nuances, no doubt are time-consuming tasks. And that's the reason, Cortana will make its debut in seven countries first on July 29: the U.S., UK, China, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

Over the coming months, Cortana will be available to customers in the Windows Insider Program in six other countries including India also.