14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has quietly rolled out an update for Cortana that allows users to connect Gmail to the digital assistant, thus being able to access information stored in the Google account.
This means Cortana can now read stuff like mail, calendar, and contacts, and this is undoubtedly a welcome update for those relying on the assistant and storing critical information like contact details in their Google accounts.
The feature is limited to the United States for the time being, and there’s no word just yet on whether the company wants to expand it to more markets anytime soon. In fact, this is one of the biggest drawbacks right now on Windows 10, as many updates made to Cortana are restricted to the US, while the rollout in other countries either never happens or begins after a long time.
Non-Microsoft account support
Setting up Gmail in Cortana only takes a few clicks on a Windows 10 device. Just launch Cortana, click the hamburger menu and then open the Notebook section. Go to Connected Services > Add a new service and then select Gmail from the list. You’ll be prompted to provide your Google credentials and allow Cortana to access information like email, contacts, and calendar.
In addition to reading data in the Google account, Gmail support for Cortana makes it possible for the Harman Kardon Invoke to also access information like calendar and provide it to users.
Cortana also works with Knowmail, LinkedIn, Office 365, Outlook.com, Wunderlist, and Dynamics CRM accounts, and some are wondering if Microsoft’s push for third-party services in the digital assistant isn’t actually pushing users off Microsoft accounts, especially if their data is stored on other services.
Microsoft is yet to officially announce this update, but more information should surface soon, as the company will most likely provide a detailed description of Gmail support and the functionality it brings to Windows 10 users.
