Microsoft acquires AI startup to make Cortana sound more human

Microsoft wants to make Cortana more human-like. The software giant announced it's acquiring artificial intelligence startup Semantic Machines to help its voice assistants and chatbots carry on more natural conversations with humans. Microsoft didn't disclose how much it paid in the deal, but said Berkeley, California-based Semantic would bring a'revolutionary new approach to building conversational AI'. Microsoft's Cortana is about to get smarter. The firm said it bought Semantic Machines to make its digital assistant more human.