Toshiba is betting that the digital assistant Cortana is going to be a big hit when Windows 10 arrives on July 29th, so big that she gets her own key on the company’s new range of Windows 10 ready Satellite laptops. The range will launch with Windows 8.1, but can be updated to Windows 10 for free.

The button will appear above the numbers row on Toshiba’s C Series, L Series, S Series, Radius and Fusion laptops, giving users direct access to Cortana – usually you’d just have to use the Windows-C shortcut. Also indicative of Toshiba’s belief that Cortana will be every consumer’s best friend is the fact that the new laptops will come with TruTalk dual array microphones that will improve Cortana’s capabilities.

In a statement Toshiba said, “All products are pre-built with TruTalk dual-array mics and a dedicated Cortana key for convenient access to Microsoft’s voice assistant. From multitasking convertibles that are great for entertainment to gorgeously sleek powerhouses that boost productivity, Toshiba has an ideal device to match every student, professional, audiophile and film-enthusiast out there.”

The laptops/tablets will also support Windows 10 continuum, meaning that when the device recognizes users have switched from tablet to laptop or vice versa it will automatically switch to the according mode. The starting price C Series (“for everyday users”) is $394.99, while the S Series (“For gaming geeks, productive pros and creative crafters”) goes for $719.99. Other than the Cortana button the devices aren’t all that prepossessing. You can read all about them here.

Toshiba has said that the new range will launch June 21^st, except for the S Series, which will arrive with Windows 10 already on it on July 29^th.

Photo credit: ocubax via Flickr