Microsoft's flagship digital personal assistant Cortana is finally for the Android platform on Aug. 24. Some tech publication considers this release as the official Android release of Cortana since Microsoft launched a pre-release version which hit the web in July.
Upon the announcement, Cortana will enter the public beta phase so that Android users can have the chance to test out the video-game inspired virtual assistant from Microsoft, according to Tech Radar.
It is important to note that prior to this release, Cortana has been an exclusive feature of Windows Phone. The decision to enter the Android platform is part of Microsoft's strategy to broaden its market especially towards the biggest mobile platform.
According to Tech Spot, the beta version of Cortana allow its user to search the web, set important reminders, track flight information and other features present in its Windows iteration. Perhaps the most critical feature is that Cortana can be configured to replace Google Now as the default digital assistant every time the user presses the Home button and wants assistance.
Cortana can be accessed in similar ways as Google Now. User can activate it by simply saying "Hey Cortana" in order to wake up the digital assistant. However, the beta version of Cortana on Android does not respond to hands-free commands.
Microsoft said that Cortana on Android is only available in the United States. The company is still thinking whether it will roll out the feature on other regions. The Redmond-based tech giant said that the feature will soon roll out in other market in due time.
Finally, Microsoft said that since Cortana on Android is still in beta phase, users should expect a few bugs here and there as the company continually develops the experience through feedback given by users.