Microsoft’s Virtual Assistant, Cortana now Available for iOS

Share This Post

Looking back at my experience with Windows 10, the newly introduced Microsoft’s virtual assistant that goes by the name Cortana, was one thing I wished I had on my Macbook. Wishes are not horses, they said – but I have some good news – and some bad news too.

The good news is that Microsoft has just release a beta version of Cortana for IOS. The bad news is that only 2000 user can try it – for now.

According to tech blog Warenotice, Microsoft is currently distributing the Cortana for iOS beta to the first round of beta testers—presumably to those who applied for the beta program earlier this month. Warenotice received an invitation to test the app, and published a few screenshots of Cortana running on an iPhone.

The story behind the story: Microsoft has worked hard to bring many of its apps to other platforms like iOS and Android. It’s all part of the”cloud first, mobile first” ethos the company instituted under CEO Satya Nadella. However, as our Jared Newman pointed out, the iOS version won’t be as full-featured as the Windows and Android versions, largely because of the more closed nature of the iOS universe. The iOS version of Cortana won’t have a hands-free mode, for example, so it isn’t a true replacement for Siri.

Only 2000 testers allowed

Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to try the Cortana for iOS beta. Microsoft is using Apple’s TestFlight beta testing system—the one Apple-sanctioned method for distributing public betas on iOS—and it has some limitations. Most notably, TestFlight allows developers to distribute a beta app to only 2000 testers, and as Warenotice points out, app beta periods can run for up to 60 days. In addition, the beta program is only open to users in the US and China.

So if you aren’t one of the lucky few to get in the beta program, you’ll have to wait until the final release of Cortana for iOS to give it a try.

Stay Ahead: Join the EwtNet Insider Email Club!

Stay informed and up-to-date with EwtNet's email subscription. Join our exclusive community and receive curated news, updates, and insights tailored to your interests.

Related Posts

Download Free E-books – Top 10 Online Libraries for Bookworms

From the oldest libraries on the Web to the...

Windows 10’s Top 30 Tricks, Tips, and Tweaks in Pictures

Windows 10 comes with a lot of amazing features but not all of them are readily available. Let's dig a little deeper and unveil new tweaks, tricks and features that will change the way you use your PC.

New Microsoft adapter lets Xbox One’s Kinect play nice with PCs

Xbox One owners will be able to attach their...

Plan your Week Ahead: 7 Must Have Android Applications for the Week

Happy Sunday to all EWT readers! This is the 7th...

Video: New Vein Visualization Device Makes It Easier To Find Your Veins

Scientist have discovered a way to find your veins...

16 Online Jobs that will Make You Real Money in College

Are you a college student who is need of...
- Advertisement -