Cortana, Microsoft's personal virtual assistant is now available for iOs and Android users.
Microsoft has just announced on December 9 that their virtual assistant will now be available for the said OS users. After many months of testing, the American multi tech company has finally unveiled their software which will now compete with the other mobile platforms.
Although the said arrival of Cortana for Android and iOS may offer some comfort and benefits, the tech company stated that it will not be that powerful compared to as it is on Windows phone. This is because Android and iOS do not offer much integration to third-party applications. This will then limit some of the features of the virtual assistant.
In a blog post, Microsoft explained the limitation of Cortana to Android and iOS devices.
"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," Microsoft wrote.
"This includes toggling settings or opening apps, and the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying 'Hey Cortana," added by the company.
On the other hand, it can be observed that the main interest of the personal assistant is still aimed for the Windows 10 users. A Windows 10 owner can initiate a command in the computer and will automatically reflect on their Android or iOS phone.
The said app is said to be created in order to serve as a personal companion for the Windows 10 computer. The main principle is that Cortana (for Android and iOS) and Windows 10 will help side by side in order for the users to keep track on their meetings, reminders etc.
In the said blog post, it was also stated that the new app will only be available on selected iPhone and Android users. For instance, Cortana will only be available in U.S and China for those iPhone users.
Microsoft also stated that a Cyanogen OS support will be released later this month.