Cortana, Microsoft’s AI assistant for Windows devices, will be made available for both Android and iOS when Windows 10 launches later this year. It will be part of a Phone Companion app that is built into Windows 10 that allows non-Windows 10 Mobile users to access their PCs as if they were on Windows 10 Mobile device.
The Cortana app is installed through the Phone Companion app for Android or iOS, although Microsoft admits that not all the features of its AI assistant will be available on those platforms. The Android and iOS version of Cortana will have the same function of providing reminders, taking notes, and track flight information as the Windows version, but it will not be able to start up with the “Hey Cortana” voice command. The ability to change phone settings and opening apps will not be available from the launch date either.
Speaking of the Phone Companion app, Microsoft is attempting to expand its eco-system to include both Android and iOS by expanding its Windows 10 functions to both those platforms. The Phone Companion will allow users to access their photos, music, notes, and documents stored on their PCs from a mobile device, which is essentially what Microsoft is doing with its own Windows 10 Mobile operating system.
It looks like Microsoft has really embraced the inclusive approach to developing Windows 10, but one wonders if these efforts will hurt its smartphone operating system more than help it. The ability to access Windows features from Android and iOS is more likely to keep people on their devices without a reason to switch over. Then again, this could be a cunning plan to get more people used to the Windows eco-system and make it easier to transition over.
[Source: Windows Blog]
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