Microsoft Phone Companion app for Windows 10 brings Cortana to Android, iOS (VIDEO)
Alexandra BurlacuMicrosoft is not only bringing Cortana to the desktop with its new Windows 10, but also to Android and iOS devices through a special companion app.
The company just announced a new Phone Companion app designed to allow users to access Windows 10 content from their PCs or mobile devices, even if they use Android or iOS.
As you can see in the image above, launching the Phone Companion app will present users with a choice so they can select which mobile platform they use - Windows, Android, or iPhone/iPad - to get things started. Those who use a Windows phone won't need to do anything else, while those who have an Android or iOS device will have to get some apps for their handset to make it work with Windows 10.
"In a multi-device world where you move between your phone, tablet, and PC multiple times a day - you expect your experience to go wherever you do. That's why we built Windows 10 on a common core and enabled Windows Universal Apps, so people using Windows 10 for both their PC and smartphone experience will get an optimal, seamless experience as they transition devices throughout the day," Microsoft said in a new company blog post on Tuesday, May 26. "But, we also realize that many people use iPhones or Android phones, and we want them to enjoy some of their Windows experience and content while away from their Windows 10 PC. Regardless of the operating systems you choose across your devices - everything important to you should roam across the products you already own - including your phone."
The new Phone Companion app will allow users to enjoy their files and content across their phone and Windows 10 PC, with changes made on one device reflected onto the other.
Microsoft's digital assistant, Cortana, is also invited to the Phone Companion party, and it will arrive next month on Android and later this year on iOS. While Cortana will offer info on sports, flight schedules, and others such, however, it will not boast all of the features supported on the Windows Phone OS.
"Although the functionality will be very helpful, because it's 'just an app' there will be certain things that Cortana does on Windows phones that won't work on Android devices or iPhones. Some features require access to the system that aren't currently possible with iOS or Android, so things like toggling settings or opening apps won't initially be available in the Cortana companions for those platforms. Similarly, the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying 'Hey Cortana' requires special integration with the device's microphone, so that feature will be limited to Windows Phones and PCs," Microsoft further explained.
Nevertheless, this new functionality should deliver a neat experience for Android and iOS users, and make Microsoft's offerings appeal to a wider audience. This further bolsters the company's commitment to add cross-platform support for more of its apps and services, and marks an important step forward.
To learn more about Microsoft's new Phone Companion app, check out the video below.
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