At its Build 2019 developer conference today, Microsoft announced a number of improvements to its Microsoft 365 subscription offering, which includes Windows 10, Office 365, and Enterprise Mobility + Security. These include new features for its Chromium-based Edge browser, developer improvements like Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, Ideas in Word, the general availability of Microsoft Search, and more.
One thing that's pretty big is Microsoft's new, conversational AI. You'll be able to have real conversations with the firm's Cortana virtual assistant. For example, you can ask Cortana what you have scheduled for the afternoon, and when it tells you, you can ask for a certain appointment to be rescheduled. When it asks when it should be rescheduled for, you can ask what slots are open on a certain day. Cortana will provide suggestions, and you can continue to interact with it.
The demo that was provided is pretty impressive. The conversational nature of the commands seems to go beyond what we're seeing from other voice assistants on the market.
Microsoft says that the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is now certified for FIDO2. That means that websites and apps can use Windows Hello in the FIDO ecosystem. The company also said that it's extending support for Windows Hello to other browsers besides Edge, such as Firefox.
MyAnalytics is getting some improvements as well, and it will include new insights that focus on four areas: focus, digital wellbeing, network, and collaboration. Rather than just showing you how much time you're working after-hours, you'll be able to set quiet days, and it will allow you to create personal plans for those different areas.
Microsoft Graph data connect is now generally available. The feature will let organizations give developers access to their Graph data.
Of course, there's also news around Microsoft Teams. Developers will be able to publish apps more easily than ever before, and there will be new ways to integrate them into conversations.
Finally, Cortana Skills Kit for Enterprise is getting some updates. Businesses can use it to create skills for their organizations, allowing users to get more done. It's in private preview, and you can get it through Microsoft's Technology Adoption Program.
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