You Can Use Cortana with Your Most-Used Applications

Cortana is becoming more of a utility with every feature that is added to its capabilities. Fans of Google’s applications will be happy to hear that Cortana can now play nice with the likes of Gmail, Google Contact, and Google Calendar. We’ll take you through the steps to set up an integration between these programs and Cortana.

In order for Cortana to play nice with these Google apps, you first have to identify them as a service. To do so, access Cortana and click Notebook. Once that panel opens, access Connected Services, and click Add service.

You will only see the option for Gmail, but that umbrella covers both Contacts as well as Calendar. This does mean that these services are not able to be connected individually, in fact, Google Drive will also be added to Cortana. Once you sign into your Google account, Gmail will be an option in your Connected Services menu.

Privacy Concerns
Naturally, by granting Cortana access to your email, you are providing the assistant (and by extension, Microsoft) with considerable access to your personal data. Before you connect your Google accounts to Cortana, make sure to review the data usage disclaimer that explains what your data is to be used for--and, if it does change your mind, you are directed to where this integration can be deactivated.

Since it is not yet clear what Cortana commands will work with these Google services, there is plenty of room to speculate. What do you think Cortana will be able to assist you with as you use these Google apps? Share your thoughts in the comments!