Without Cortana available across all your devices, Microsoft’s smart assistant isn’t quite as helpful. And with Windows Phone running on less than 3 percent of smartphones around the world, Microsoft realized it needed to expand to other mobile operating systems. It added Android support in August, and now it’s testing Cortana for iOS.
People who are part of Microsoft’s Windows Insider program can sign up for Cortana access by taking a short survey, Microsoft announced yesterday. The survey includes questions on which device and version of iOS you’re using, along with how often you use Cortana on Windows 10.
However, Cortana functionality will be limited on Apple’s mobile operating system.
“Cortana’s deep integration with Windows means that’s where she can really shine,” the Windows Insider post says. “So, while there are some features you’ll use on Windows that we don’t (yet) support on iOS phones (like saying “Hey Cortana” to wake her up), we’ve focused on making Cortana on iOS the perfect companion to your Windows experience.”
A limited number of Windows Insider members in the U.S. and China will have the first chance to test out iOS-based Cortana. While the exact number of users wasn’t announced, Apple restricts companies to 1,000 beta testers through its TestFlight app testing platform, which Microsoft will likely use. Microsoft will be sending emails to selected testers with all the details on downloading Cortana in the coming weeks.
