Cortana fail: Microsoft's AI assistant embarrasses Satya Nadella during live keynote presentation

[steven36]

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella attempted to show off Cortana's capabilities during a keynote speech when it let him down in spectacular fashion.

We’ve all been there. We try to issue a voice command and our digital assistant gets it completely muddled. But Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is the last person who wants to be let down, especially when he’s in the middle of demonstrating what Microsoft’s Cortana is capable of.

Nadella was delivering a keynote address at Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference. He was demonstrating some productivity tools, and occasionally showed off what Windows 10 had to offer.

Then he called upon Cortana. “Show me my most at-risk opportunities,” he told the digital assistant.

But she got it completely wrong and instead opened a Bing search results page for "Show me to buy milk at this opportunity."

He tried again and Cortana opened reminders. He gave Cortana one last chance at redemption before acknowledging that it wasn’t going to work. The snafu, which you can watch for yourself, starts at 10:30 in the video.

Cortana has been integrated into Windows 10. It is currently only available in certain regions.

Soruce

[manju]

it's not Cortana's fault that Nadella ain't english native (i would say that the wsilhe thingy that he does seapking is the culprite xD )

[steven36]

it's not Cortana's fault that Nadella ain't english native (i would say that the wsilhe thingy that he does seapking is the culprite xD )

It dont even understand native English speakers with thick accents . :lol:

There's 100s of English accents full list .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dialects_of_the_English_language

Its like talking to a computer on the phone and you just give up and wait on a real person or just punch the numbers in . :P

Its pretty bad when the person that's over Microsoft can't make it work . That's what they get for trying to release something 500 years before it was suppose to exist . :tooth: :clap:

[straycat19]

Its like talking to a computer on the phone and you just give up and wait on a real person

That's the most accurate statement ever made. I received an updated credit card that I had to call and activate. No problem. Except afterwards the card wouldn't work. So called the bank. Spent 20 minutes trying to get through their automated system. It couldn't accurately interpret what I was saying, the choices it gave were not what I needed, and if I said nothing it responded with 'I didn't hear your answer, please choose.....' Finally I yelled 'I want to speak to customer service!' and it responded 'I understand you want to speak to a real person.' and transferred me. Once I got caught in its electronic loop nothing I did or said got me out till I hit that one magic point. Part of the initial call was saying your account number so the minute a person answered they verified my ID, asked the problem, saw the problem with the account (activation triggered a 'switch' that it shouldn't have), fixed it, and I was done within 45 seconds.

[CODYQX4]

I don't bother to use voice of any provider. Way too unreliable, and uses up bandwidth to record you and put it in the cloud, to then be stored for who only knows what.

Quicker for me to check the weather then it be wrong 5 times.

[rudrax]

Nothing surprising. It's all going the way it was expected. In another words - it can do nothing better than what it had done.

[Holmes]

I don't bother to use voice of any provider. Way too unreliable, and uses up bandwidth to record you and put it in the cloud, to then be stored for who only knows what.

Quicker for me to check the weather then it be wrong 5 times.

Your call may be monitored or recorded for quality or training purposes or this call may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance is what they always say (There is a different one I have heard I think). I dont ever use automated systems I dislike them and in a way its a good comparison cortana is brand new and if satya was using siri im sure it would have worked the way its supposed to cortana is to new (I know its too) give microsoft time to work out the kinks. When time warner cable digital phone first came out I heard alot of people say dont use digital phone its full of bugs and my brother trevor tried it and it was buggy as hell now it works good my mom just got digital phone and its much better. Users are expecting cortana to be PERFECT when it just comes out really it just left beta do you buy a cpu processor when its in its first generation hell no thats not smart.

My question is when did they come out with siri two to four years ago they have had alot of time working out the bugs Im a very optimistic person I try to look away from the negative aspects of shit and try to look at the positive did cortana screw up she did did siri screw up in the beginning sure she did remember when the xbox first came out there was a presentation similiar to that one and the xbox caught on fire shit happens.

[DKT27]

Personally, I have found that Google Now works quite well if one is in hurry or is not expert in computers like typing fast and such.

[rudrax]

Personally, I have found that Google Now works quite well if one is in hurry or is not expert in computers like typing fast and such.

:yes:

[Holmes]

I have android and use google now if I use a digital assistant its ok why cant they use a name thats better than google now apple chose siri microsoft chose cortana. I dont know what name they would use Im just being picky.

[HX1]

In his defense I think that it is funny how people focus on what Cortana did and ( in fact that in each system Cortana does get to know your voice.. )... They more than likely ignore the tools being discussed... Voice Recognition and usage are hand in hand.. As well as background noise.. This is always an issue.. especially with people talking in the background.. or feedback and echo.. which can be caused by the mic and systems being used..

I don't really see the fault within the services being talked about.. Quite nice actually from my standpoint about the data collection and application within business..

Getting Cortana o track to use it like a virtual assistant may actually come from an expansion in its database and commands.. as well its security and ability to initiate these commands on behalf of the user. There are a few tasks which I had the processing power to do more with Cortana.. and with systems.. I think it is a key point in the direction he is going.. and a good one.. it is exciting.. IMO... the applications for a working model and a step in that direction can change how we use ANY system in the future..

[spudboy]

Your call may be monitored or recorded for quality or training purposes or this call may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance is what they always say.

That is said, because it's what they actually do. I have worked in several call centers and they randomly monitor/record calls, then they call you in and listen to it with you to see how you are doing. What you are doing well, what needs improvement, what you shouldn't be doing, etc. None of the places I have ever worked in have kept the calls either. Not saying that no companies do, but the ones I worked for didn't.

[Holmes]

They have a person that records those (they pay them I know) it would be a waste of the persons time to record a false statement companies get slammed for false advertising all the time false statements are no different. I agree HXone the technology being used now and being worked on is very exciting and unless you have a tyrant hitler figure in control of how this technology is created (I dont think we do) users are reading a book by its cover. Unfortunately for us the technology is going to keep giving us problems with development being currently in progress.

[steven36]

As far as Telemetry its dates back to the 19th century. and more good has came out of it than bad has . But talking to computers on you're phone or you're computer is just nuts not a real person or can they give the correct data as you can easily search for yourself like DKT27 said . I have add to search bar add-on with like 25 sites added to my search bar I can get accurate info from multiple sites in no time that's what I'm talking about. Why replace something old that works with something new that's plum full of bugs?

[rudrax]

In his defense I think that it is funny how people focus on what Cortana did and ( in fact that in each system Cortana does get to know your voice.. )... They more than likely ignore the tools being discussed... Voice Recognition and usage are hand in hand.. As well as background noise.. This is always an issue.. especially with people talking in the background.. or feedback and echo.. which can be caused by the mic and systems being used..

I don't really see the fault within the services being talked about.. Quite nice actually from my standpoint about the data collection and application within business..

Getting Cortana o track to use it like a virtual assistant may actually come from an expansion in its database and commands.. as well its security and ability to initiate these commands on behalf of the user. There are a few tasks which I had the processing power to do more with Cortana.. and with systems.. I think it is a key point in the direction he is going.. and a good one.. it is exciting.. IMO... the applications for a working model and a step in that direction can change how we use ANY system in the future..

The embarrassment was caused due to Satya Nadella and microsoft's amateurish approach. Cortana takes command through the mic so it is damn certain that the envirionment variable like background noise, distortion, echo etc. will play a negative role. So while demonstrating Cortana, they should have been well aware of the fact. The dilema that had happened in the live show, it was needed to happen in the laboratory prior to demonstration. They should have managed the algorithms or at least have used a sound proof glass chamber for the sake of their dignity. If I were the CEO of MS at that time, I would be so ashamed that I would resign straight away.

This shows how Microsoft has started to take things casually. This is so awful from a tech giant like Microsoft.

[HX1]

Well I would say that resigning right away would probably state more.. Shame is not a factor for resignation.. If it is straight out failure that you resign for.. and you are unwilling to fix the problem then yet you would prove that your head is worthy of the chopping block.

If you are afraid to fail, you are afraid of challenges.. If there is a factor that is overlooked.. well then we learn from our mistakes and we improve what we are doing or the tool itself.. Its a place where an expression of humility and an apologetic lament.. is inappropriate.. An act or showing of such.. in unnecessary.. but straight to work on a resolution.. a sign of who you should be..

Resignation in shame should be saved for Jared and Subway... and corruption.. and those who do not work for their achievements...

That being said.. the demo platform was quite simple.. maybe to be perceived as such but maybe so simple that factors were not accounted for..

I remember Bill Gates having the same problem with Vista Voice Recognition.. in the very same situation..

Microsoft does have to represent to the people what they are doing .. but a demo fail.. or mistake.. It happens many times to great things and people.. Its a factor of development.. He seemed to handle it well..

[rudrax]

Well I would say that resigning right away would probably state more.. Shame is not a factor for resignation.. If it is straight out failure that you resign for.. and you are unwilling to fix the problem then yet you would prove that your head is worthy of the chopping block.

If you are afraid to fail, you are afraid of challenges.. If there is a factor that is overlooked.. well then we learn from our mistakes and we improve what we are doing or the tool itself.. Its a place where an expression of humility and an apologetic lament.. is inappropriate.. An act or showing of such.. in unnecessary.. but straight to work on a resolution.. a sign of who you should be..

Resignation in shame should be saved for Jared and Subway... and corruption.. and those who do not work for their achievements...

That being said.. the demo platform was quite simple.. maybe to be perceived as such but maybe so simple that factors were not accounted for..

I remember Bill Gates having the same problem with Vista Voice Recognition.. in the very same situation..

Microsoft does have to represent to the people what they are doing .. but a demo fail.. or mistake.. It happens many times to great things and people.. Its a factor of development.. He seemed to handle it well..

Being a CEO of a local charity organisation you can afford to make such mistakes but being a CEO of tech giant like microsoft, you can't. You can't fail to miss basics in that position.

[HX1]

I think you miss my point but it doesn't matter... Besides I do not think Nadella is responsible for writing that code.. Management is management as well as ownership..

If you do not think that a CEO or Owner or anyone else can make a mistake or have a bad day.. Regardless of their position in the world or within an infrastructure then you negate the possibility that aspects of those teams would not work together to achieve a goal. This not a world of perfection, but yes we strive to get it right. Lopping off heads in some barbaric fashion instantly when things do go wrong... without reasoning or discernment about the world of thing we live in an the experience we have... Will simply leave you in this world alone... to do it yourself.. A leader will see these mistakes ( somethings unfortunately after the fact ) and direct focus and attention to areas which will need to be addressed. This is how you build a company with the right people.. Who learn what is needed..

Now if someone repeatedly showed themselves as inadequate to accomplish the task.. ( and this is someone who has been given proper direction ) or they simply do something else, or are literally combative ( and not on the point in brainstorming an idea ) then they need to go do something else.

I mean.. think about it, 'Ohup.. my computer is messing up.. I RESIGN.. bye..' There would be people concerned about your mental health.. especially if your not at total fault. It does not sound like a reasonable decision.. People in this industry know better.. As they do in others.

Now to say have a CEO completely fail in respects to their duties, and not uphold agreements of representation, squander finances, and flush the direction of the company down the tubes.. Yeah I would say it would be up to a vote for him to leave.. Sometimes this happens with marketing gambles.. Lets say Nadella decided to take us back to Windows 95, or 3.1.. ignoring the shape of the needs of the clientele within the industry today.. and stocks flatlined. Or decided just to make windows a copy of Chromebook.. Yes .. get the hell outta here.. Something everyone hates and a complete failure of resources that can be on a global scale and effort put forth by its employees to get nowhere and worsen the situation.. Yes.. not the goal or the objective..

No matter how big we get.. or where we are on this planet.. The wealthiest man n the world.. shits, eats.. and has to sleep like the rest of us. ( Oh yes and calamities and failures happen all around.. )

"The only man not making a mistake is one who is not doing anything.." <-- my point.. LOL :)

Trust me.. Even if Cortana cannot interface with Windows BI.. I would still use this and will..

Windows 10 and Microsoft is not going down because of that.. anytime soon..

[steven36]

I think you miss my point but it doesn't matter... Besides I do not think Nadella is responsible for writing that code.. Management is management as well as ownership..

If you do not think that a CEO or Owner or anyone else can make a mistake or have a bad day.. Regardless of their position in the world or within an infrastructure then you negate the possibility that aspects of those teams would not work together to achieve a goal

Nadella sure is no Bill Gates that's for sure . :P Besides Windows 10 as default has its head all in the cloud and calls home every 2 seconds most modern apps are crap . Everyone of them is full of bugs and are just half and app compared to legacy apps . And windows 10 is lifeless unless you change it all around . The start menu is ugly and has bugs so best to use a 3rd party one . Most legacy apps have no color to them unless you install Aero glass and then tweak the colors with a 3rd party app. No wonder most people on windows7 refuse to update . :tooth:

Someone that makes $30.4 million a year should not be allowed to make mistakes . If I was Steve Ballmer who owns most of Microsoft i would Fire him ! :duh:

[rudrax]

Being diplomatic everytime makes no sense as there is no end of it.

I never said that Nadella is responsible for what happened there. But the company he is leading, at those heights these types of mistakes becomes like "common sense" kind of thing on missing which the one making complain will have no words left to say.

The Cortana demonstration has turned out to be like - a full grown adult asking a pre-teen "how to have sex" :tehe:

[Holmes]

Everyone can afford to make mistakes just because you make alot of money doesnt mean your prohibited from making mistakes. We dont get smarter unless we learn from our mistakes if we never made mistakes to learn from we would be stupid. The problem is users look at the problems that happens as unforgivable everytime and if we make a alot of money its completely unforgivable thats the wrong way to lookk at it my friend. The presentation didnt hurt anyone or anything there only negative aspect of what happened are the judgements users are going to make and as the bible says thou shall not judge there has got to room for error errors happen all the time. Dont forget cortana is new and so is the operating system shes embedded in to a extent.

[steven36]

Everyone can afford to make mistakes just because you make alot of money doesnt mean your prohibited from making mistakes. We dont get smarter unless we learn from our mistakes if we never made mistakes to learn from we would be stupid. The problem is users look at the problems that happens as unforgivable everytime and if we make a alot of money its completely unforgivable thats the wrong way to lookk at it my friend. The presentation didnt hurt anyone or anything there only negative aspect of what happened are the judgements users are going to make and as the bible says thou shall not judge there has got to room for error errors happen all the time. Dont forget cortana is new and so is the operating system shes embedded in to a extent.

Ive worked jobs making far far less money and if i was to make a mistake like that i would lose my job . He probably never done any real work in his life . Ive been chewed out for less by a boss for someone else messing up and I didn't even do it . I dont suckup too people born with a sliver spoon in there mouth . One day the economy will collapse again like it did in the great depression and Microsoft want be worth anything. Mostly its all stock market owned mostly by 2 people .computers cant grow food or hunt the things you may need to know one day to survive . Software is nothing but code that makes you're life easier For thousands of years up tell 25 years ago we got along just fine without computers .Its not something you really have to have .4.4 Billion people still dont have internet. :P

[virge]

Satya Nadella : Show me the most at-risk opportunities

Cortana: show me to buy milk at this opportunity.

Satya Nadella : Show me the most at-risk opportunities

Cortana: Take the marbles out of your mouth please.

Satya Nadella : Show me the most at-risk opportunities

Cortana: English, Motherfucker, do you speak it?

[dMog]

we already know it ain't working as nobody really is allowed to have it yet :rolleyes: they just keep telling soon don't worry it is almost ready any minute now

[steven36]

we already know it ain't working as nobody really is allowed to have it yet :rolleyes: they just keep telling soon don't worry it is almost ready any minute now

I wonder how many people of 45m of win10 users and growing would ever really use it? With all the privacy tools out there to stop it . its only less then 2m insiders or something right? meaning most are still using GA . I know I'm never going to use it , if they reinstall any modern apps back on my pc when they release threshold 2 ill just uninstall them all again . :P