As promised, Microsoft has rolled out the beta version of its personal assistant Cortana to the users of iOS devices, the Microsoft application acts as a competitor to Apple Siri and Google Now. Earlier this August, Android version of the application had already been made available to one and all.
This week, a handful of testers who signed up to trial the new app were notified by Email that the iOS version of Cortana was available for download. As per the description made available the beta version of the app offers voice-powered assistance, schedule management, setting reminders and alarms as well as the ability to track things like flights, packages, stocks, scores and more. The app can also be used to search Bing, get directions, get information on restaurants and movie and TV listings, track interests, and even open other apps.
In 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. The solo motto of Microsoft was 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. The original survey indicated that Cortana for iOS would be available to those in the U.S. and China, but the survey itself was aimed at potential U.S. testers only.
Testers report that the beta build is being distributed by Apple’s TestFlight, a developer-focused service that lets iOS users try applications before their public release. This means that only a small number of testers will be brought on initially, since TestFlight’s has a limitation of 2,000 testers per application. That also explains why a large number of people who signed up for Cortana’s beta are stating that they still are on waiting to receive their invite at this time.
