Cortana has been unveiled for several iOS users. (Photo : YouTube)
Microsoft will be pushing its digital voice assistant to both Android and iOS devices.
The Redmond-based firm's Cortana was initially exclusive to Windows Phone 8.1 handsets. However, Microsoft announced that it will be made available as a standalone app for Android and iOS.
The report came after the news that Microsoft's Cortana will be integrated with the upcoming Windows 10 operating system later this year, according to Mashable.
Microsoft is still developing a more advanced version of Siri's competitor via data from an artificial intelligence (AI) project dubbed as "Einstein."
Eric Horvitz, Microsoft Research managing director, said that their technology will be a significant addition to the new Cortana version.
"We're defining the competitive landscape... of who can provide the most supportive services that make life easier, keep track of things, that complements human memory in a way that helps us get things done," Horvitz, who is also part of the Einstein AI project, told Reuters.
Cortana, which was taken from the popular "Halo" video game for Microsoft's Xbox, has a myriad of features. For instance, it can read an email to the user that notifies for a flight. Cortana will then alert the user when it is time to drive to the airport, even if the user did not give instructions to Microsoft's digital assistant.
This shows that Microsoft is now shifting its strategy. Instead of forcing users to use their Windows operating system, the tech company is now adjusting by pushing its services to other platforms, including their move to develop the Microsoft Office suite of apps for iOS and Android devices.
