On Tuesday, Aug 25, Microsoft has begun rolling out the beta version of Cortana for the Android operating system. The voice assistant has been undergoing gradual improvements to work well with Android devices. The arrival of Cortana is also part of the Windows 10 roll out.
According to a report from Business Standard, the Cortana app enables Microsoft's virtual concierge to replace Google Now, the Android operating system's own voice assistant. By pressing the device's home button, Cortana will be able to take over as the device's virtual assistant.
The beta version of the app has rolled out and begun testing to a limited number of volunteers since last month. From then on, Microsoft has further developed the app. Android has yet to support the 'Hey Cortana' feature, which already works for devices powered by the Windows operating system. Different settings on various handsets have made it hard for Cortana to take voice commands.
Cortana for Android also follows commands and gives access to the notebook, in order to control user information. Like its Windows version, the voice assistant also brings up events and updates schedules. An alarm feature is also present in the Android version.
Cortana is also able to determine nearby places to have meals in, by having access to information on the notebook, as well as being able to help out in internet searches. The virtual concierge is also updated about the weather conditions, news, sports and many other things.
Microsoft has already made the app available in the U.S. It can be downloaded via the Google Play Store. No announcement has been made yet regarding when the app will be available in other parts of the world. Cortana has earlier been announced to roll out to both Android and iOS.
The roll out of the voice assistant comes at the same time as the Windows 10 release, with which it works hand-in-hand. Microsoft Xbox has earlier been announced to run the OS soon and also have Cortana activated.
