Microsoft has started the beta test of its new Cortana app for iOS, with only around 2,000 people currently testing the new app as per Apple's rules for TestFlight-based betas.
Those part of the beta will receive an email earlier in the week, however it's possible that Microsoft is rolling out invites in waves.
"Your life is not limited to one device, and neither is your digital assistant. Cortana is with you on your Windows 10 PC, tablet, and phone-helping you whenever and wherever you need it. But we also know that there's a choice of mobile devices out there, so we want help from our Windows Insiders to make sure she's a great personal assistant on iOS too," said Microsoft in a blog post.
Cortana has certainly received pretty good reviews on Windows-based devices; however, it will be interesting to see what reviewers think of the service on other operating systems. The personal assistant is a rival to Apple's Siri and Google's Google Now, and many suggest that Cortana really won't be able to make that much of an impact on operating systems other than Windows Phone considering the fact that it won't be able to integrate with other services and apps as well.
For example, users won't be able to use the voice command to wake up the assistant. Despite this, the real draw to Cortana will be for those using an iPhone and a Windows computer or tablet, especially given the fact that Apple's Siri isn't available on desktop just yet. This is because of the fact that once logged on to Cortana on a Windows phone, the service will use data collected from both the computer and phone to enhance the user experience across all platforms.
Cortana for iOS certainly won't replace Siri for now - Siri is just too convenient. Those who use other Windows devices, however, should give it a try once it comes out.
