Microsoft this week began the sign-up process that will let a few iOS users test out an early beta version of its Cortana personal assistant ahead of its wide release sometime next year (via The Verge). Specifically, the company said it's looking for a "limited number of people" in the United States and China, with updates rolling out over the next few months to tweak features and provide any fixes to bugs found by the beta participants.
In the spirit of the Windows Insider Program, we’re looking for a limited number of people to get their hands on an early version of the app. It’s important to keep in mind that this is the first public release of the Cortana for iOS beta. And that for now, Cortana for iOS is only available in the U.S. and China. Over the coming months, we’ll continue to deliver frequent updates to the app to expand the features and functionality.
The company reiterated that Windows is where Cortana "really shines," thanks to a few hardware-specific features, but promises that iOS users can expect a robust personal assistant that makes a "perfect companion" to the Windows experience. Those who are interested in testing out Cortana for iOS can complete a short survey on Microsoft's website to possibly become one of the limited access users of the beta, who will begin receiving download links in their email over the next few weeks.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)Not being funny but whats the point? It won't have phone-wide access like siri does and you'll have to open the app to use it...
Yeah, that phone-wide access really helps."Open CarTunes"
"I'm sorry, I can't take any requests right now. Please try again later."
"Read me my last email"
"I'm sorry, but something went wrong."
"Send a text to Dave's mobile"
"OK, what number do you want to use? Mobile or landline?"
"What time will it be in 7 hours?"
"The time right now is 2PM."
"No, in 7 hours."
"I'm sorry, I don't understand."
"The time! 7 hours! What time will it be in 7 hours?!"
"I'm sorry, I can't take any requests right now. Please try again later."
"Play Burzum's music"
"OK, I found this on the web for 'boring music'". (admittedly on that occasion, it linked me to the song I was looking for, but still...)
Cortana, Siri and Google now have ups and down, if they only found a way to merge the best of them into one, it would me "Magic"
Sirtana Now?Are you really that interesting though?
And most likely people share more than they would want to on Facebook ;)The mods here have your email address, they know the town you live in, probably your name and what you do for a living. They probably know what your status/dispositon is regarding Apple products. Google probably know too and should be spaming you with ads right?
Sheesh!
..."complete a short survey on Microsoft's website to possibly become one of the limited access users of the beta, who will begin receiving download links in their email over the next few weeks.