My main computer went out and I blew the dust off another someone gave me. And the first thing on the screen is "Cortana" and I quote: "I can learn to understand you much better if I can get familiar with the way you talk. I need your permission to help. Let Cortana use your microphone and collect your speech patterns, typing history, and handwriting patterns." Take a hike, Cortana. As for the visuals, pffft, who cares?? If they want you, they got you, so I don't worry one whit.