Microsoft is looking at a new kind of gadget. It will be a small device that works with Cortana, Microsoft’s voice assistant. The project is called Clip. It is meant for people who are very busy, especially women.
What is the Cortana Clip?
The Clip is a Cortana wearable. It is still in the early stages of development. A person close to the project told the site Wareable about it. The device will not be ready before 2016. However, Microsoft hopes to have some models ready before the end of 2015.
We do not yet know if the Clip will sit in the ear like a tiny earbud, or if it will clip onto the ear like a small hoop. The name “Clip” suggests it might be a clip‑on style.
Who Might Use It?
The team says the Clip is aimed mainly at busy women. It could help them stay organized and get quick information without pulling out a phone.
- Quickly check messages
- Ask for reminders about kids
- Control smart home devices
- Track health data
One example the team is testing is letting a parent get fast updates about their children. The parent could ask Cortana for the latest school news or a reminder about a soccer game.
How Could It Work?
Microsoft is exploring how people would use a voice‑controlled gadget that sits on the body. The Clip could let users hear messages and talk to Cortana using only their voice.
The device might also work with other voice assistants like Siri on iPhones and Google Voice on Android phones. That means the Clip would not be limited to Windows Phone devices.
Right now, Cortana can already be used on Microsoft’s Band 2. The Band 2 is a wrist‑worn fitness tracker. It gives workout updates and guided breathing. The Clip would be a different type of wearable – it would sit near the ear or clip onto it.
What Other Wearables Does Microsoft Have?
Microsoft already has the Microsoft Band 2. The Band tracks fitness and shows productivity insights on a small screen. It is part of Microsoft Health, which helps users see health data at a glance.
Microsoft also works on other body‑worn tech, such as the HoloLens AR headset. The HoloLens is not a hearable, but it shows that Microsoft likes to explore new ways to wear technology.
Other companies have made hearables like the Bragi Dash and Motorola’s Moto Hint. Those devices let users control smart homes, listen to music, and track health using voice commands. The Clip would join this growing group of hearables.
How to Decide If a Hearable Is Right for You
When you think about buying a hearable, ask yourself these simple questions:
- Do I need hands‑free help with messages and reminders?
- Will I use it with my current phone (iPhone, Android, or Windows)?
- Do I want a device that stays on my ear or clips on?
- Is voice control important for my daily routine?
If you answer “yes” to most of these, a hearable like the Cortana Clip could be useful.
FAQ
When will the Cortana Clip be released?
Microsoft says the Clip will not be released before 2016. Some prototype models may be ready before the end of 2015.
Will the Clip work with iPhone and Android phones?
Yes. The team is testing compatibility with Siri and Google Voice, so the Clip should work with iPhones and Android devices.
Is the Clip the same as the Microsoft Band?
No. The Band is worn on the wrist and shows a screen. The Clip is a hearable that sits near the ear or clips onto it.
What can the Clip do for busy parents?
It could let parents ask Cortana for quick updates about their children, such as school schedules, reminders, or health alerts.
Conclusion
Microsoft is quietly working on a new Cortana wearable called Clip. The device is aimed at busy women and may appear after 2015. It could sit in the ear or clip onto it, and it may work with iPhone and Android phones. While Microsoft already has the Band 2 on the wrist and the HoloLens on the head, the Clip would add a new hearable option to its lineup. If you like voice‑controlled help and want a hands‑free way to stay organized, keep an eye on the Cortana Clip as it moves toward a possible launch.