Cortana is catching up with the rest of Windows 10 and is preparing to launch from an update for standard users in the U.S. and Windows Insiders abroad.
Capable of tapping directly into Microsoft Translator, the digital assistant will have 38 languages available to it and, subsequently, its users. Users can type in text for a translator, or, as Microsoft seems to prefer, they can vocalize their requests and Cortana will oblige with a spoken response.
"Cortana, with the help of Microsoft Translator, places powerful translation technology at your fingertips by instantly translating words, phrases, and sentences," said Microsoft.
Users can invoke Cortana's translation assistance by uttering the phrases "Her Cortana, translate" or "Hey Cortana, how to say," followed by the phrase that needs translating and the language into which it needs to be translated.
Microsoft launched native translation support for Cortana for Windows 10 in the U.S. and Windows Phone 8.1 in China.
Cortana was also launched in Japanese for Windows Insiders in Japan and in English for their counterparts in Australia and Canada. Microsoft also released an early build for India's English speakers.
Microsoft plans to expand Cortana's availability to Insiders in Mexico and Brazil. The company also hopes to offer it in French for Insiders in Canada.
The competition for the best digital assistant is heating up, but that's not stopping Facebook from entering its own virtual aid alongside Apple's Siri, Microsoft's Cortana, Amazon's Alexa and Google's Google.
Facebook announced M, its digital assistant, last week. M is built into Facebook Messenger, according to David Marcus, Facebook's vice president of messaging products.
"Unlike other AI-based services in the market, M can actually complete tasks on your behalf," said Marcus. "It can purchase items, get gifts delivered to your loved ones, book restaurants, travel arrangements, appointments and way more."
It's an early build of what Facebook wants M to become, said Marcus. He also assured the world that there are humans ensuring the AI stays in line.
