Cortana To Gain Always-Listening Feature In Next Windows Phone Update

One of the unique features of the Moto X is its ability for users to unlock the phone using their phone even when the screen is off. Google recently brought that feature over to Android devices, although in Google’s case the phone’s screen would have to at least be on before the “OK Google” keyword was recognized.

While we wait for Apple to bring similar functionality to Siri, it seems that Microsoft could be beating them to the punch. The Redmond company has recently announced at IFA 2014 that in the next Lumia update, which has been codenamed Denim, Microsoft will include a “Hey Cortana” command that will launch the voice assistant feature, even when the phone is on standby mode.

This sounds like a pretty handy update and should sit well with Windows Phone users who seem to have a pretty good experience with Cortana so far. Apart from the update that Microsoft will be making to Cortana, the Denim update will also include some improvements to the camera, such as improving the speed at which it launches and takes photos.

Microsoft will also be updating the Lumia Camera app to support 4K video recording. The update is scheduled to make its way to handsets like the Lumia 930, Lumia 1520, and the Lumia Icon in Q4 2014 later this year.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Cortana, Microsoft, Windows Phone