HomeWinBuzzer NewsYou Can Now Use Cortana as Your Default Digital Assistant on Android

You Can Now Use Cortana as Your Default Digital Assistant on Android

Cortana 2.8.0 lets users launch the digital assistant with a simple hold of the home button, as well as adding tweaks to calendar and enhanced performance. Despite this, users still can't use voice commands from the home screen.

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The Cortana app on has been around for quite a while, but something has always held it back. 's assistant is the OSes default, which makes accessing it quickly a bit of pain.

Finally, has begun to address that issue, rolling out an update to Android users that replaces Google's offering. After installing the new update, users are prompted to choose their preferred assistant. They can then long press the home button for fast access.

As well as this improvement, 2.8.0 has the following tweaks:

  • “Improved calendar consistency across PC and phone
  • Improved app performance”

Android Limitations

Despite this, Cortana on Android is still a long way from its counterpart. With Google's offering, you can access the functionality with voice commands, but that feature is yet to make an appearance for Microsoft. For the time being, home button presses are a good compromise.

There's also the issue of app integration. Android users are naturally tied into the Google ecosystem, and Cortana doesn't tie into many of those services. The result is an app that's not quite complete but is still worth it if you're invested in Microsoft services.

With hope, Microsoft will start to address some of those issues now that this functionality is rolling out. It points to a new and steady focus on the app and could have all kinds of benefits down the line.

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

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