Microsoft news recap: Build 2018 registration to open soon, Bing adds multi-perspective Instant Answers, and more

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Cortana picks up brand new design on iPad, launches 20% faster

iPad users are receiving a new update for Cortana. While bringing a new design to Microsoft’s virtual assistant, Cortana will now also launch 20% faster compared to previous versions.

Users of Bing’s Webmaster Tools can now login with their accounts on Google and Facebook

In an unexpected update, Bing Webmaster Tools has gained a new feature. Microsoft has added third-party account login for Google and Facebook, as well as the current login system with Microsoft Accounts. The new login options are only available in the United States for now, but are expected to roll out to other regions in the near future.

Microsoft to open registration soon for May 7-9 Build 2018 in Seattle

Microsoft’s annual Build event is fast approaching. The company is to open registration for the event, that takes place in Seattle between May 7-9, on February 15th.

Microsoft Build returns to Seattle May 7-9, 2018. Developers, join us as we explore the future of technology. #MSBuild https://t.co/e6X6Vejr77 pic.twitter.com/zf660MM3cI

— Microsoft (@Microsoft) February 8, 2018

Bing highlights new “multi-perspective” Instant Answers

Bing has been working on improving its Instant Answers feature. When users search and Bing believes it can show an Instant Answer, it uses neural networks to find the best answer from multiple sources, and then provides it to the user. In an update to this, Bing can now show multiple different answers that show different points of view, so that the user can make a more informed decision.

That’s it for this week. We’ll be back next week with more Microsoft news.