How to control your computer with your voice

Voice control is no longer limited to smartphones. Windows 10 and macOS Sierra both offer voice-activated digital assistants: Cortana and Siri, respectively. These assistants significantly reduce keyboard and mouse reliance. While initially unusual, using voice commands represents a glimpse into the future of computing. This guide outlines setup and optimal usage.

Setting Up Cortana on Windows 10

Cortana typically activates automatically upon Windows 10 installation or initial boot. However, full functionality may require adjustments. Access Cortana's options by clicking the taskbar search box, then the settings cog.

Click "Get started" under "Microphone" to train Cortana to recognize your voice. Enable the "Hey Cortana" toggle to activate voice activation at any time, or alternatively, use a keyboard shortcut. For shared computers, personalize Cortana to respond only to your voice.

The "Notebook" (pad icon) allows customization of personal information and accessible services. Connect to Outlook email, for instance. Personalize the information Cortana shares by selecting content categories (Weather, Sports, etc.) to enable or disable updates and specify preferences.

The Home icon displays personalized articles and information. Use the three dots next to any topic to hide it or make further adjustments in the Notebook. Issue commands by clicking the microphone button (bottom right) and speaking, or type in the adjacent box. "Hey Cortana!" also activates listening mode (if enabled).

Controlling Windows 10 with Cortana

Cortana supports numerous voice commands. Here are some examples:

• Informational Queries: "What's the capital of France?" (Cortana performs web searches).
• Image Search: "Show me pictures of President Lincoln." (Utilizes Bing).
• Calendar Management: "What's on my schedule?" (Accesses Microsoft account and Outlook). Create and delete appointments vocally.
• Email Management: "Send an email to Chris about the weekend." (Uses Outlook to draft emails).
• Third-Party App Control: "Find House of Cards on Netflix." (Works with Netflix, Uber, OneDrive, etc.).
• Music Playback: "Play some music." (Launches Groove Music Player). Specify artists or albums.
• Reminders: "Remind me to buy flowers tomorrow." (Sets time and location-based reminders).
• System Settings: "Turn off Bluetooth." (Controls Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). "Open Settings" for more options.
• Navigation: "Show me directions to New York." (Uses the Windows 10 Maps app).

Setting Up Siri on macOS Sierra

Siri is enabled by default in macOS Sierra. If the menu bar icon is missing, go to System Preferences (Apple menu), then Siri.

Enable or disable Siri, the menu bar icon, and adjust language, voice, and voice feedback preferences. Unlike Cortana, Siri doesn't constantly listen; activate it via the menu bar/dock icon or a keyboard shortcut. Spotlight (Cmd Space) is an alternative for typed queries.

Siri's personalization is less extensive than Cortana's, lacking proactive news and information delivery. However, it's more integrated into macOS. Siri results appear in the top-right corner; pin them to Notification Center using the plus icon for live updates. Click the question mark (bottom left) for more information on Siri's capabilities.

Controlling macOS Sierra with Siri

Here are some Siri commands for macOS Sierra:

• Informational Queries: "When was the US founded?" (Similar to web search).
• System Control: "Change the wallpaper." (Adjusts wallpaper, screen brightness, etc.).
• Messaging: "FaceTime Chris." (Initiates FaceTime or iMessage).
• File Management: "Show me files I worked on yesterday." (Searches local drive by file type and date).
• Photo Search: "Show me my photos of Spain." (Searches Photos app).
• Email Management: "Read out my last email." (Reads emails aloud).
• Music Playback: "Play some music." (Controls iTunes/Apple Music).
• Reminders: "Set a reminder for tomorrow." (Manages calendars, contacts, reminders).
• System Settings: "Turn off Bluetooth." (Controls Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Night Shift).
• App Search: "Find apps for word processing." (Searches the App Store).

The above is the detailed content of How to control your computer with your voice. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!