Cortana bridges the gap across mobile platforms

Microsoft continues their cross platform push as they now have Cortana available on certain iOS and Cyanogen OS devices alongside of Android and of course Windows itself.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

December 9, 2015

1 Min Read
Cortana bridges the gap across mobile platforms

Microsoft is continuing their cross platform push as they have now officially released Cortana to iOS, Cyanogen OS and Android devices.

According to Marcus Ash, the Group Program Manager for Cortana, she is now available where and when you need her, no matter what smartphone you choose.

Although Cortana can now easily access and update your notebook across all of these platforms, has a similar visual experience on each device like we have experienced on Windows there are some areas Cortana is not up to par with her Windows counterpart.

While the Cortana app is fully-featured, there are some things Cortana can do on Windows phones that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android*. This includes toggling settings or opening apps, and the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying “Hey Cortana.”

​The deepest integration with Cortana, outside of a Windows device, is on Cyanogen OS devices.

As a result of our close partnership with Cyanogen, we created a more integrated experience to enable Cortana’s voice activation ‘Hey Cortana’ on Cyanogen devices so you can call on her while on any screen or when you’re immersed in an app. The custom integration includes the ability to ask Cortana to toggle network modes, power down your phone, and turn on Quiet Mode amongst other features. With Quiet Mode enabled, all notifications, calls and alarms will be silenced.

Cortana is available today for iOS8 and Android 4.1.2 or higher devices as of today (US only). The One Plus One with Cyanogen OS (12.1.1 over-the-air update needed) will get the update later this month.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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