Cortana is the Windows Virtual assistant, and she can do a lot of things.
She can help you with your schedule, provide you with information that interests you, and much more.
This virtual assistant used to work with smart devices, but that's not the case anymore. It was just an idea that was left behind.
Cortana no longer work with smart home devices
Microsoft tried to introduce Cortana as Alexa and Siri competitor for AI personal assistant, but this project didn't work as expected.
In March 2020, Microsoft pulled the plug on Cortana's smart home integration and shifted its distribution to devices like PCs and phones.
Unfortunately, the big software giant can't compete in every area and had to bury this idea and just move on.
She is now a personal assistant
Now, Cortana's mission is to help people with their daily needs.
Cortana can use Microsoft 365 to navigate calendars, set reminders, and handle email correspondence. But it won't control your smart home devices with voice commands neither select your favorite song to play on a third-party speaker.
The latest version of Windows 10 ended Cortana's remaining skills... so sad, but we have to say goodbye to the idea of a new competitor to Alexa, Siri, and Google assistant.
Cortana old skills
Before the update, Cortana could control smart home devices, such as Nest, Wink, Insteon, SmartThings, Philips Hue, TP-Link Smart Plugs, and Honeywell Thermostats.
But now, probably some avid Microsoft fans that could have integrated those devices are certainly not happy with the end of this integration.
Unless they turn off the Windows automatic update to keep using the old Windows version. (it's probably not a good idea).
What devices [used to] work with Cortana?
The devices that used to work with Cortana are the Amazon Echo and the Google Home. Now Cortana also controls some smart devices like Philips Hue bulbs, Nest Thermostat, IFTTT recipes, and more.
Conclusion
Unfortunately Cortana does not work with smart devices anymore.
The best option is to move to Alexa, Siri or Google smart home integration.
I've tried Google and Alexa myself but still prefer Alexa.
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