Microsoft virtual assistant Cortana began holding people to their promises on Thursday. "Now, Cortana can help you remember things you've said you would do in your emails -- without you even having to ask," partner group program manager Marcus Ash said in a blog post. "Cortana automatically recognizes when you make a commitment in email messages and will proactively suggest a reminder to you to follow through at just the right time." An update to Cortana -- Microsoft's digital assistant infused with artificial intelligence -- enables it to recognize and make note when people promise in messages to tend to tasks, according to Ash. "We've all been in the situation where we've promised to do something in email, like send your boss a report by end of day, or purchase tickets to the movies for your date night," Ash said. "But the day goes on, emails pile up, and you quickly forget. Now Cortana has your back."

Microsoft virtual assistant Cortana began holding people to their promises on Thursday. 'Now, Cortana can help you remember things you've said you would do in your emails - without you even having to ask,' partner group program manager Marcus Ash said in a blog post. An update to Cortana -- Microsoft's digital assistant infused with artificial intelligence -- enables it to recognize and make note when people promise in messages to tend to tasks To check the feature out for yourself, make sure you're signed in to Cortana, and have given communications consent. Then check that either an Outlook.com or Office 365 work or school account is connected through the connected services section in your Cortana notebook. Try emailing yourself a commitment like'I will send you the report by Friday' and look out for that suggested reminder from Cortana.