Topic: Cortana

The hosts reviewed listener-submitted artwork for the episode, including pieces featuring "Microsoft Barf" and the historical office assistant "Clippy." A discussion of Microsoft's software history touched on the failure of Microsoft Bob and the intrusive nature of the Cortana assistant. The show's "value for value" model continues to drive creative contributions from the global community.

Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system is criticized for its extensive data collection and integration with an expanding advertisement network. Even when features like Cortana are disabled, the system reportedly tracks desktop searches and user activity. The difficulty of switching to Linux for professional podcasting due to driver and software support issues is also discussed.

Microsoft's Cortana is identified as a major data collection tool that tracks search history and system registry. Jaron Lanier's comments on the Sam Harris podcast are cited, describing how tech companies pitch "creepy" tracking capabilities—like measuring a user's mood or health via phone sensors—to advertising conglomerates.

A recent Windows 10 update introduced a "Timeline" feature that tracks and displays a user's activity over several days. The hosts warn that this serves as a potential "spy tool" for anyone with physical access to the computer and is enabled by default. They provide instructions on how to disable the feature and Cortana within the privacy settings to protect user data.

A host describes a visit to a Microsoft Store to test the Mixed Reality headset, comparing the spatial interface to the film Minority Report. The experience allows users to arrange multiple application windows in a virtual "Cliff House" environment rather than using traditional alt-tabbing. Observations are made regarding the lack of branding at the Microsoft Store compared to the crowded Apple Store nearby.

Chinese researchers have demonstrated that voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana can be controlled using ultrasonic commands inaudible to the human ear. This "DolphinAttack" vulnerability allows hackers to send silent instructions to devices. The hosts discuss the potential for broadcasting these high-frequency commands via television or in public spaces, though they note technical limitations in podcast audio encoding.

Sonos updated its terms of service, stating that the company cannot guarantee its wireless speakers will function if users do not agree to new data tracking policies. Sonos plans to integrate multiple voice assistants, including Alexa, Google, and potentially Siri or Cortana, into its hardware. The hosts discuss the potential for these tech giants to engage in antitrust behavior as they battle for control of the smart home ecosystem.

A dinner with "Obots" features Professor Jamie Pennebaker, author of The Secret Life of Pronouns and creator of the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC) system. Pennebaker describes his work for intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA, his belief that Amazon's Alexa represents true artificial intelligence, and his collaboration with Microsoft's Cortana team.

Silicon Valley tech giants are criticized for exclusively assigning female names and voices to digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Cortana. This trend is viewed as reinforcing sexist stereotypes of women in service roles. There is a growing call for gender-neutral or "gender-fluid" AI options to reflect modern social standards and avoid the inherent bias of current personal assistant technology.

Microsoft is expanding its Cortana assistant to Google and Apple platforms as part of a new cross-platform strategy. Meanwhile, the Amazon Echo (Alexa) is gaining popularity for its kitchen utility, specifically its hands-free timer and calendar integration. One host shares that the device is particularly useful for setting multiple timers while cooking.

Amazon introduced the Echo, a voice-activated speaker featuring the "Alexa" assistant. While marketed as a helpful family tool for playing music and answering questions, it is criticized as a persistent surveillance device for the home. The discussion compares Alexa to Microsoft's Cortana and Apple's Siri, noting that these tools train children to rely on corporate algorithms rather than their parents.