Cortana can easily set reminders or inform you on the traffic ahead

Jul 28, 2014 06:20 GMT  ·  By

One of the most appealing features that Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system flavor, Windows Phone 8.1, was released with is Cortana, a virtual personal assistant that, according to the Redmond-based company, can do much more than competitive products.

Thus, in the latest video ad for Cortana, Microsoft is comparing it with Apple’s Siri, the digital assistant included in iOS, in an attempt to show us why its own product is much better.

Currently officially available only in the United States, Cortana can easily set up reminders, while also being capable of associating them with user’s location, so that they are as relevant as possible.

If you need to buy something on your way home, Cortana will remind you of that when you pass by the shop, so that you can immediately stop and grab the specific item.

“Cortana will remind you to leave early to beat traffic and help you get to your destination on time, will remind you that you need milk when passing the grocery store, and will remind you to say happy birthday when your mom calls,” Microsoft notes in the video’s description.

All Nokia Lumia smartphones running under the Windows Phone 8.1 platform iteration have Cortana in the United States, and it should not be too long before users in other markets out there also receive it.