Microsoft has confirmed that it is officially bringing its virtual assistant, Cortana, to Android and iOS devices. The company wanted to extend the advantage of Cortana, which is built into Windows 10 to users who are not on Windows Phone.
Microsoft created a Cortana application, also referred to as the "Phone Companion" app, which is designed specifically for Android and iOS devices. It will work as a companion app to Cortana on users' Windows 10 PCs.
According to Microsoft, "the Phone Companion app on the PC will help you install the Cortana app from the Google Play or Apple App Store onto your phone so you'll be able to take the intelligence of Cortana with you, wherever you go."
When users launch the Phone Companion app on their Windows 10 PC, the next thing they have to do is to choose the type of phone they use, whether it's a Windows Phone, Android or iPhone. If they are already on Windows Phone, there's no extra step needed. For those who are using an Android device or iPhone, they only have to follow some very easy steps to start getting the right apps on their devices and make them work along with their Windows 10 PCs.
The Cortana app on Android and iOS devices can do most of the things Cortana does on the Windows 10 PC or Windows Phone. Users can receive notifications and reminders, such as picking up a bottle of milk the next time they are in the supermarket. They will be able to track a flight and get updates so as to not miss anything. Whatever files they keep in Cortana's Notebook, they can also access across all their devices. File changes are also automatically reflected when they use Cortana on their devices. Moreover, they will be able to complete, on their device, whatever tasks they started on their PC with the help of the Cortana companion app.
Microsoft has also updated the Xbox Music app on Android and iOS. Users can access their music files and playlists from OneDrive and stream media wherever they are for free.
"At Microsoft, we want everyone to love not just their Windows 10 PC, but all the devices they own, working with their Windows 10 PC."
The Cortana companion app will be available for Android users in late June, while iOS users can get the app later this year.
