Microsoft has started beta testing Cortana on iOS

In a move that would have been unthinkable for Microsoft a couple of years ago, the company has taken the first steps towards releasing Cortana on iOS. As promised, the company has launched the beta version of its digital assistant to a handful of iOS testers that signed up for the trial earlier this month. Whether or not Cortana will be able to convince iOS users to switch from Google Now or Siri remains to be seen. 

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.