Cortana to be launched on iOS and Android but with slightly less functionality (Photo : Twitter)
Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana is finally available on the iOS and Android operating systems. Following months of arduous testing and feedback process, Microsoft unveiled on Wednesday the iOS and Android versions of its renowned digital assistant.
The release is part of Microsoft's push to integrate Windows 10 to other platforms, as well as increase of focus on cross-platform apps and services. Cortana was exclusively released as an integral part of Windows Phone in 2014. The service has since evolved and now supports Windows 10 desktop computers, the latest being iOS and Android platforms.
According to The Verge, Cortana for iOS and Android is available for users in the United States and China. The integration will allow Windows 10 users to share data across desktop computers, iPhones and Android devices.
Microsoft said that the Windows version of Cortana will still be powerful compared to its iOS or Android counterparts. Microsoft added that it is pursuing other platforms to integrate the service into. Earlier this year, Microsoft partnered with Cyanogen and announced that Cortana will play a key part in that partnership.
Both the iOS and Android versions of Cortana will offer basic features like the ability to track packages and flights as well as check the weather and give out reminders and notifications. Microsoft claims that developer restrictions with iOS and Android makes it hard for the company to fully integrate all of Cortana's features into the platforms.
As of this writing, Cortana can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. According to CNet, Cortana supports Android version 4.1.2 or higher and iOS 8 or higher.
