The best Creators Update feature that has snuck under the radar
The Creators Update for Windows 10 is finally upon us, and with most excited about the desktop OS upgrades, there are also new features which should excite all the Raspberry Pi fans out there.
As part of the Creators Update, Microsoft have added Cortana support to the Windows 10 IoT Core OS – this is the version of the OS which runs on the Raspberry Pi 3.
What this means is, for those looking to play around with digital assistant functionality and voice commands on their mini computer boards, they now can.
As explained by PCWord, Pi users will need to be using Windows 10 IoT Core, and will need to upgrade to the Creators Update to get access to Cortana.
After this, you’ll be able to use Cortana in much the same way as you would on a PC, asking for the time, traffic, weather, or stock prices.
Those looking to experiment with voice commands however, will need to select from a limited range of microphones and speakers that are supported by the Creators Update.
As far as speakers go, only Logitech’s S150 USB speakers are supported. Microphone options are a bit better, but still limited to Sound Tech CM-1000USB Table Top Conference Meeting Microphone , Microsoft LifeCam HD 3000, and the Blue Microphones Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone/Cardioid.
Microsoft seems to be pushing forward with their plans to extend Cortana support to more products. These latest features come after the emergence of the “Cortana speaker” setup wizard that was spotted in Windows 10’s latest version.
Third-parties are known to be working alongside Microsoft on Cortana-powered smart speakers to rival Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home, however there’s recent speculation they could be opting to develop an in-house speaker instead.
Back in 2016, Microsoft made it public knowledge that it planned to bring Cortana to all Window 10 IoT Core smart gadgets with screens, all as part of its Home Hub project.
Cortana has also been integrated into the Creators Update setup process, helping to guide users through installation, as well as demonstrating Microsoft’s commitment to pushing the assistant to more products & areas.
To get Cortana on your Raspberry Pi, you’ll need to use the Windows 10 IoT Core Dashboard to flash the Creators Update on the device, then allows special permissions in order to activate Cortana.
