HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Updates Cortana for Android Beta App

Microsoft Updates Cortana for Android Beta App

Version 2.9.7. of Cortana for Android comes with a new reminder widget as Microsoft attempts to expand Cortana’s reach after taking focus off Windows 10 Mobile.

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's beta application for is getting a fresh bump today. The latest update brings the app up to version 2.9.7. and comes with a couple of new additions. However, there are no new features here.

According to the Cortana for Android beta changelog, a new reminder widget has been added. However, users who have downloaded the update say little has changed with the widget. Also included in version 2.9.7. is an improvement for the default assistant function.

Last month, Microsoft basically killed off . Without explicitly axing the platform, the company said it will not release new hardware and the platform is not a focus. At least for the time being, Microsoft will continue to support Windows phone, but for how long is a mystery.

With Mobile on the wane, Microsoft needs to push its apps more aggressively on iOS and Android. The company has clearly said its services on rival platforms is the level of its mobile ambitions now.

However, in terms of Cortana, Microsoft faces a tough sell on other platforms. Apple has Siri and has its own virtual assistant. In other words, out of the box there is no reason for users to install another assistant.

The raw numbers reflect that. Cortana for Android has been installed by less than 5 million users, while not all of them will be active users. That may look like a high number, but really is not.

Of course, Microsoft has Cortana on its vast Windows 10 install base, but it is hard to see how the company will be able to expand the assistant on mobile.

Smart Speaker

This week, Cortana was giving another avenue to grow when the Harman Kardon Invoke smart speaker was launched this week. The device is Cortana powered and is Microsoft first foray into the market.

Although this is a very niche market at the moment, so Cortana user growth is not likely to be spurred by the Invoke.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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