In a blog post, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said a Cortana app for iPhones and Android, to serve as a companion on a Windows 10 PC.
"Part of the power of a personal assistant comes from being available on the go, on the device you carry with you everywhere. And for people who don’t have the benefit of a Windows phone, we want to extend the advantage of Cortana in Windows 10. How will this work? Today, we’re announcing a Cortana application for Android phones and for iPhones which works as a companion to Cortana on your Windows 10 PC," he said.
He said the phone companion app on the PC will help a user install the Cortana app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Belfiore said Cortana, which can help to things from searching on the web or a device to setting reminders, dictating email, or toggling device settings, is integrated into Edge, the new web browser for Windows 10.
"The Cortana companion app will help you complete tasks you begin on your PC wherever you are, on your phone," he said.
Limitations
But here's the catch: there may be some things Cortana can do on Windows Phones that may not work on Android devices or iPhones.
This is because some Cortana features "require access to the system that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android," he said.
Among the things Cortana may not be able to do on iOS or Android for now include toggling settings and opening apps.
Even hands-free access to Cortana by saying “Hey Cortana” will be limited to Windows Phones for now, as the feature needs special integration with the device’s microphone.
Designed for all devices
Belfiore, in making the announcement, noted Microsoft realizes that "many people use iPhones or Android phones, and we want them to enjoy some of their Windows experience and content while away from their Windows 10 PC."
"Regardless of the operating systems you choose across your devices – everything important to you should roam across the products you already own – including your phone," he said.
Phone companion
A Phone Companion app on the PC allows a user to pick which type of phone he or she owns, whether it's a Windows phone, Android phone, or iPhone.
Nothing extra is needed with a Windows Phone, though a few steps may have to be followed for Android or iPhone owners.
OneDrive app allows photos taken on a phone to show up automatically in the Photos app of a Windows 10 PC.
Music app lets a user store and access music from OneDrive not only on the PC but now also play it anywhere, for free, on an iOS or Android phone.
"And you can work on your Office documents from any of your devices, without worrying about moving files around," Belfiore said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
