Windows Phone is still a distant third to Apple and Android in the smartphone market, but Microsoft is hoping to change that with the introduction of Windows Phone 8.1— and more importantly its personal digital assistant Cortana.
Microsoft claims that Cortana isn’t like your average virtual assistant. She’s supposed to be a little wittier, more personable, and capable of learning more about you than Siri or Google Now.
After using Cortana for a week and speaking with Microsoft’s Marcus Ash, Partner Group program manager, it’s clear that the company’s got a lot riding on the success of its new virtual assistant.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Studio Ghibli serves up new anime food at Ghibli Park
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
We spent over US$400 at a Tokyo premium capsule machine, and we’re not sure how we feel about it
Japanese elementary school installs standing sleeping pod for students to nap in【Video】
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?