Microsoft Cortana gets its own Android application for smartphones

Microsoft Cortana will be finally available for Android users as its own application. The voice-operated system will come to smartphones with its default set of features. Users will be able to use the smart assistant on both their phones and Windows PCs.

The Android iteration of the smart assistant has all the basic features of the application as it is found in Windows devices. However, users can extend the functionality of the assistant to any smartphone provided they have the required operating systems.

This means they can issue reminders with a Cortana in a Microsoft computer to another assistant in an Android phone. Much of the functionalities of the smartphone version of the programme also do not seem to need much manual handling.

The smart assistant can be accessible from the Android phone's lock screen. This means Cortana can easily provide information such as weather updates, calendar views and commute time without unlocking the smartphone. Users can also ask the smart assistant to send text messages via voice commands.

Microsoft Cortana in Android can "learn" to become more useful every day. This is done by constantly engaging the application by issuing voice commands. The app can keep reminders and do basic tasks such as texting. This paves way for multitasking options for users.

Users can also take images and set certain location-based reminders using the application. They can also enumerate "lists" that the programme can organise into to-do lists.

Interested users can download the smart assistant from the application store. The arrival of Cortana in Android seems to cement Microsoft's desire to make devices work seamlessly in both the smartphone operating system and Windows systems.

However, Cortana is not the only smart assistant that is out to release upgrades. The release of the Samsung Galaxy S8 phone comes with an improved version of Google Assistant. In a surprising twist, Samsung will also roll out its own assistant called Bixby with the new device.

According to the Australian, Samsung may make a similar move to integrate its smartphones and other "smart" devices. This means Bixby may eventually be used to remotely access other Samsung appliances, such as its television or air conditioners.

Samsung has yet to release a comment if it really plans to integrate its smart assistant to its other gadgets. Its Samsung Galaxy S8 can be purchased with prices starting at US$720 (AU$939).

Microsoft Cortana is originally made for Windows PCs before it made its way to Android devices. It is also available for the iOS, should users want an alternative experience away from Apple's Siri.