Microsoft's Cortana Assistant Now Available on iPad

Wednesday February 7, 2018 4:11 AM PST by Joe Rossignol
Microsoft today updated its Cortana app for iOS with native iPad support. The design looks essentially the same as the iPhone version, but with an interface optimized for the larger 7.9-inch to 12.9-inch screen sizes of Apple's tablets.


The release notes also mention that Cortana now opens 20 percent faster:
What's new:
Introducing a brand-new Cortana for iPad design. Enjoy an exclusive layout and interface for your iPad.
Cortana now launches 20% faster! Enjoy a lightning-fast experience.
Like rivals Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, Cortana is a digital assistant that can set reminders, schedule calendar appointments, respond to queries, and provide other information through machine learning techniques.

Apple only allows third-party assistants to function within their apps, however, limiting their usefulness versus Siri on iPhone and iPad. For example, Cortana can't be invoked with a voice command when an iOS device is locked.

Nevertheless, iPad users now have one more assistant to choose from alongside Siri and Alexa. Cortana is available for free on the App Store.

Tags: Microsoft, Cortana
15 comments


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themastermind
20 months ago

Who wants to open an app to use an assistant?


I agree, and you know that is exactly the reason why Apple limits the ability. It's like trying to set another mail app as your "default", sure you can use another mail app, but they cripple it partially so it works but can't ever be a full replacement. If you want to use it you are going to have to jump through some hoops and things aren't going to integrate near as smoothly as the built in apps.

It's what I dislike the most about Apple products.
Rating: 9 Votes
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Applebot1
20 months ago
Pass on this one
Rating: 2 Votes
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Mtmspa
20 months ago
The masses are happy with the default apps. MR readers are happy with nothing.
Rating: 2 Votes
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icallmydmicrosoft
20 months ago
don‘t want to comment on cortana itself

but what a poor use of space
Rating: 2 Votes
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JediZenMaster
20 months ago

I hate it on my winders laptop..why would you put on my IPad


So if you hate it don’t use it. It’s not like it was forcibly installed on your iPad.
Rating: 1 Votes
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MrGimper
20 months ago
I've just doubled my use of Siri ....

From:
- Hey Siri, set a timer for xx minutes

To:
- Hey Siri, set a timer for xx minutes
- Hey Siri, open Cortana

Bonus
Rating: 1 Votes
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4jasontv
20 months ago
I wish Microsoft would decide if they want to commit to Cortana or just make her their brand for "search". Getting the app to launch faster is nice, but the experience is feels incomplete and inconsistant. This is most apparent of you move between platforms.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Onexy
20 months ago

I agree, and you know that is exactly the reason why Apple limits the ability. It's like trying to set another mail app as your "default", sure you can use another mail app, but they cripple it partially so it works but can't ever be a full replacement. If you want to use it you are going to have to jump through some hoops and things aren't going to integrate near as smoothly as the built in apps.

It's what I dislike the most about Apple products.

You're absolutely right on this.
Apple's cringy restrictions are just annoying.
Rating: 1 Votes
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