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.
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Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is delivering on its promise to bring Cortana to Google Inc.
The main highlight of Cortana is that the search assistant will work across platform and be available on Google’s Play Store in the not so distant future.
The public beta provides “most” of the functionality that the PC version provides, Microsoft’s Susan Hendrich wrote in the blog post. “Since we launched the closed beta, we’ve also made several improvements to the experience including the ability to set Cortana as the destination for the home button press”, meaning users can summon Cortana in a way similar to how iPhone and iPad users call up Siri. “With the app, you can manage your hectic lifestyle by setting and getting reminders, searching the web on-the-go, tracking important information such as flight details as well as starting and completing tasks across all of your devices”.
Named for the artificial intelligence character in the Halo videogame series, Cortana became a far more visible presence when Microsoft released its Windows 10 operating system on July 29.
It is important to note that prior to this release, Cortana has been an exclusive feature of Windows Phone. Cortana replies with a corny joke while Google Now gives you a link to several joke sites. The Redmond-based tech giant said that the feature will soon roll out in other market in due time.
For now, Cortana’s Android users will not be able to activate the digital assistant with the simple verbal command, “Hey Cortana“.
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Cortana also has distinct advantages in the personalization department, as it requires your permission to go ahead and personalize itself for you.
