How Microsoft Is Bringing Windows 10 Features, Including Cortana, To Android And iOS


When Windows 10 appears, it will run across both PCs and phones — but the majority of us aren’t about to dump our existing smartphones to use it. Microsoft’s newly-announced “phone companion” apps for Android and iOS will offer a subset of Windows 10 features, including its Cortana voice-powered assistant.

Features which Microsoft says it will offer across both platforms include Cortana, its music app, OneDrive storage and automatic OneNote syncing. Cortana will be able to handle web queries and adjustments to calendars, but won’t be able to change settings on Android or iOS phones — a consequence, Microsoft says, of platform restrictions:

Because it’s “just an app” there will be certain things that Cortana does on Windows phones that won’t work on Android devices or iPhones. Some features require access to the system that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android, so things like toggling settings or opening apps won’t initially be available in the Cortana companions for those platforms. Similarly, the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying “Hey Cortana” requires special integration with the device’s microphone, so that feature will be limited to Windows Phones and PCs.

Cortana will be in competition with Siri on iOS and Android’s built-in voice recognition. The Android version of the companion app is due for release before the end of June; the iOS release will follow “later this year”, according to Microsoft.

Your Windows 10 PC will love all the devices you own [Blogging Windows]


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