Microsoft Corporation’s very own personal assistant, Cortana was released to devices running on platforms other than Windows Phone such as iOS, Android and Cyanogen OS back in December last year. Besides providing the functionality of a digital assistant, it could be even more useful for those who own an Android device and a Windows 10 PC, as the data will sync between these devices. However, after a few updates, Microsoft decided to take an unusual step back and released a new update which removed one of Cortana’s key feature from Android which was the “Hey Cortana” feature. The feature enabled users to activate the personal assistant via voice command. This removal came amid reports from users that the feature interfered with the microphone on Android devices which made the “Hey Cortana” command to interfere with Google’s own “OK Google” voice command.
Since then, Microsoft has been releasing many updates for it’s Cortana Android app and recently, they have decided to bring back the “Hey Cortana” feature in an update which brings the app to version 1.8.0.1066. This will most likely increase functionality for the app and ease usage for users. Aside from bringing the “Hey Cortana” feature back, the update also bring continuous optimization towards battery usage on certain Android phones and it will also help users access the voice button more easily.
Among the current features supported on the Cortana Android app are set and get location and time reminders across your PC and phone, get notified and send a text reply from your PC which can be useful if you miss a call on your phone. Other features include tracking packages, flights, get details about your favorite football team matches and various other info across your PC and phone. Users can even get Cortana to bring some humor into their lives as the personal assistant has the ability to make jokes. Just ask Cortana anything and it will try it’s best to deliver answers.
Well, if you have an Android device and a PC running on Windows 10, you should give Cortana a go as it has the ability to be a very functional personal assistant and you might even like it more than Google in certain aspects. Cortana can be downloaded from the link below.