Microsoft has started beta testing Cortana on iOS

Microsoft has now made good on its earlier promise that it would soon roll out a beta version of its Cortana personal assistant – a rival to Apple’s Siri and Google Now – to users of iOS devices. This week, a handful of testers who signed up to trial the new app were notified by way of email that the iOS version of Cortana was available for download. The beta version of the app offers voice-powered assistance, plus help with managing your schedule, reminders, and alarms, as well as the ability to track things like flights, packages, stocks, scores and more. An Android version of the app was previously made available for testing this August. However, in early November, Microsoft announced its plans to begin testing Cortana on iOS in an online forum where a survey was shared with those who were interested in trying out the iOS software. The survey asked users about their devices, and whether or not they also used the app on a Windows 10 PC. Likely, Microsoft was looking to find those who were planning to test the app cross-platform, as its ability to tie together iPhones and PCs is one of its main benefits.