14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 Technical Preview gives users a chance to try out some of the features that will be part of the next Windows version, and a recently leaked build has also included a working flavor of personal assistant Cortana.
Previously just available on Windows Phone, Cortana is set to arrive on the desktop in Windows 10, and the current implementation brings her right in the taskbar next to the Start menu and together with a search box.
While the current configuration doesn't look too good right now, concept designer bannax1994 created a mockup that shows a different implementation of Cortana, which at first glance makes much more sense on the desktop.
What the designer did was actually use the old Charms bar to make Cortana available to users, and while this looks better than Microsoft's approach, it does not match Redmond's efforts to separate the desktop and the Modern UI.
In Windows 10 Technical Preview, the Charms bar is no more and all charms have been integrated into Metro apps directly, so the desktop is completely available for use with a mouse and keyboard.
Unfortunately for those who find this design more useful than Microsoft's, there are only slight chances to see it becoming available in Windows 10.
More details about Cortana's integration in Windows 10 will be shared next week, during an event focused on the consumer experience in the new OS, when a new preview build is also expected to be released.