Microsoft Launches Cortana On iOS And Android

After months of testing, the company announced on Wednesday that Cortana is out and ready to be used on rival mobile platforms. It will serve as a companion app to Windows 10 PCs.

The Company said in a blog post: “While the Cortana app is fully-featured, there are some things Cortana can do on Windows phones that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android.

“This includes toggling settings or opening apps, and the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying ‘Hey Cortana.”

The ‘Phone Companion’ app on your Windows 10 PC will help you install the Cortana app from the Google Play or Apple App Store onto your phone so you’ll be able to take the intelligence of Cortana with you, wherever you go,” explained Microsoft.

While both the versions have left testing phase, they are still only available to users in the United States and China for now.

Meanwhile, the company noted that Cortana is also available on Cyanogen OS powered devices, continuing a partnership announced earlier this year. The two companies are working closely to give Cortana more accessibility with the core components of Android operating system.

To use Cortana, you need to register for a Microsoft Account and you will be able to sync your devices through it whether they’re Windows 10 devices, Android or iOS. Microsoft is currently working on making the cross-platforming experience smooth for all devices.

Cortana is arguably the centerpiece of Windows 10, but on mobile devices it never had much chance of luring people away from the iPhone and Android. So instead, Microsoft is taking the opposite approach, and hoping Cortana’s availability on those platforms will help keep people attached to their PCs.

You’ll be able to use Cortana to set reminders, look up information, or just keep tabs on your day. The availability will be extended to other Cyanogen powered devices in the future.