Microsoft introduces Cortana Virtual Assistant for Android and iOS

Microsoft announced that its Cortana Virtual Assistant app will be available for Android and iPhone later this year. The company also announced Phone Companion app for Windows 10 which will be built into the Windows 10. With the Phone Companion app, users can connect their Windows PC to Windows Phone, Android or iPhone.

For those who don't know, Cortana is a Virtual assistant, just like Siri (iPhone) and Google Now (Android) that aims to provide information to users as and when needed. For example reminding to pick up milk from grocery store, track a flight, looking up for answers.

Cortana for Android and iOS is designed to be a 'companion app' for Windows 10 users. It will let users perform several actions that is available on Windows Phone and Windows 10 PC like search the web, set alarms, set reminders, tracking flight, track route and many more. The Cortana app will not be integrated as it is on Windows. However some of the features enjoyed by Windows Phone users will not be available for Android and iOS.

One of them is "Hey Cortana", the feature is not supported because it requires special access to the device's microphone and toggling setting or opening apps which is not currently possible on Android and iOS. 

Joe Belfior, Corporate Vice President, Operating System Group, explained the decision of bring Cortana to Android and iOS - "many people use iPhones or Android phones" and "everything important to you should roam across the products you already own."

The Phone Companion app will be available in a 'few weeks time' with the new Windows 10 Insider Preview Build. The Cortana App for Android will be available at the end of June via Google next month, while the iOS version will be available in Apple's all store later this year.

Source : Blogging Windows