Microsoft's Cortana available for Android, iOS with bonus features for Cyanogen

Cortana is now available for Android and iOS users in the US and in China. Cyanogen users will have a special version of Microsoft's voice assistant.

Cortana can be downloaded in the App Store and Google Play Store. There isn't a huge difference in the Cortana app today from the app that was released in July for Android and for the iOS months after that. According to Ars Technica, the app basically looks alike on Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10, iOS and Android. Basically, there is the hamburger menu on the left, a search box at the bottom and information cards for appointments, weather tracker, and many more. The assistant can run on Android devices with 4.1.2 versions or above and iOS 8 or higher.

To use Cortana, you need to register for a Microsoft Account and you will be able to sync your devices through it whether they're Windows 10 devices, Android or iOS. Microsoft is currently working on making the cross-platforming experience smooth for all devices. The company is in collaboration with Cyanogen, an Android ROM vendor, earlier this year.

The "Hey Cortana" voice activation can be made from the Android home screen, but none on the iOS but Cyanogen version will support it. Another feature is that Cortana-supported Android phones that receive a missed call will be able to notify the user through their synced Windows 10 computer. They can also reply or write an SMS to their contact through their PC and it will be sent to the phone and then to the caller.

Integrating the assistant on Cyanogen seems to be more fruitful as it allows Cortana to adjust the device's system features, power, network modes, and many more, according to The Verge. Additionally, developer restrictions also made it more difficult for Microsoft to enable more features on the Android and iOS.

"We start with some of the communication scenarios, and think about how we can do more of those," said Marcus Ash, program manager of the Microsoft Cortana project. Additionally, the company is looking at ways to seamlessly share data and do activities on a number of synced devices.

According to a review posted on CNET, Cortana's most promising feature is the Notebook. It basically takes note of the activity of its user from favorite foods, sports teams, and more. The reviewer notes that Cortana becomes more helpful as she learns more about the user and her ability to glide through all synced devices will undoubtedly make life more convenient.