Microsoft has launched Cortana for Android in public beta. The official launch comes after the voice assistant was released in private beta last month.
Cortana is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Google Now. It relies on Bing’s search to answer all your queries. Users can set reminders, search the web, set alarm, track flights and do the usual voice-powered searches. The app just received an update recently that would allow Cortana to be launched via the home button shortcut on Android, instead of Google Now.
It must be noted that Android users will not be able to toggle settings, open specific apps or launch the voice assistant by saying “Hey Cortana”, a feature that is already available on Windows. Users will have to agree to the terms of the testing program before downloading the Cortana public beta. Also, the Cortana for Android public beta is currently available only in the US and Microsoft said that it will bring it to other markets as well.