Microsoft releases beta version of Cortana for Android in the US

Cortana, Microsoft’s answer to Siri and Google Now, is now available in public beta to Android users in the United States. It is not known when the personal assistant of the American company will blow over to Europe.

Microsoft announced at the end of May that it would bring Cortana to Android and iOS, and with this US public beta, that’s one step closer. In July, the company began conducting closed tests for the Android version. Microsoft writes that it plans to roll out the app to other markets, but does not give details about that.

Cortana is able to set reminders, perform web searches, and track data such as flight information. Cortana has cross-device functionality, so a task that is checked off on Android is also immediately checked off in Windows 10.

The beta has now also been given the functionality to be called up with a press of the home button. That was not yet possible in the closed beta. Certain Cortana functions, such as adjusting system settings or opening applications, only work on Windows 10 for the time being. The option to activate Cortana by saying “hey, Cortana” is not yet available.

Microsoft has not disclosed any further details about Cortana for iOS. Cortana can be found – only for US users – in the Play Store. Users in other countries may be able to download the .apk elsewhere, but it’s not clear at this point whether Cortana will deny service that way or not.