Microsoft releases Cortana to iOS and Android platforms

After inviting beta testers on rival platforms for its digital personal assistant Cortana, Microsoft has now released both Android and iOS versions of the app. Cortana is now available for download via their respective app stores, and can also be downloaded via Windows 10 Phone Companion app.

Previously, only Windows phones had Cortana but Microsoft has expanded Cortana to various platforms such as Windows 10 computers and smartphones that run on Android and iOS. It'll just be able to handle the basics such as track flights, packages, weather, interests, and reminders. Termed one of the best features of Windows 10, Cortana has now arrived on Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems.

For OnePlus One owners excited to try out the app, PC Mag's report noted that Cortana will be available for download on the smartphone via over-the-air (OTA) update. It even allows users to make changes to any of their devices and these changes will be reflected on their other devices.

Some of the new features include setting of location-based reminders on one device and seeing it on another device when the user closes in on the destination.

Cortana Group programme manager Marcus Ash said: "While the Cortana app is fully-featured, there are some things Cortana can do on Windows phones that aren't now possible with iOS or Android".

Some portion of the task continuation thought incorporates its capacity to answer to miss calls with an instant message on Windows 10 and Android gadgets. "With the Cortana app, get a missed call alert on your Windows 10 PC and let Cortana send a text back letting them know you'll call them later - all without leaving your PC", Ash revealed.

"The company claimed that the all-new Cortana app "...comes with the same intelligence as Cortana on your PC, with the ability to look up information and give helpful suggestions. The Cyanogen integration likewise permits Cortana to toggle system modes, power of a gadget, enable quiet mode, and other system highlights.

Furthermore, Cortana on Cyanogen devices allows users to ask Cortana to turn off the smartphone and toggle network modes.

Devices must run either Apple iOS 8 or Android 4.1.2 for Cortana to work. Meanwhile, Microsoft is touting even greater functionality for Cyanogen devices when an updated version of Cortana is rolled out for the OS early next year.

Source: Microsoft releases Cortana to iOS and Android platforms