Microsoft Announces Cortana for iOS in Beta: Here’s How to Sign Up

[mks_dropcap style=”square” size=”52″ bg_color=”#ff3b3e” txt_color=”#ffffff”]B[/mks_dropcap]ack in May 2015, Microsoft announced that their personal digital assistant Cortana will be coming to Android and iOS devices. After three months in August, Microsoft made Cortana available on Android in public beta. Now Microsoft has announced the availability of Cortana for iOS in beta and they are inviting beta testers for the same. Those who sign up for beta testing Cortana for iOS will be receiving download links in coming weeks.

Microsoft’s Cortana is integrated with Windows as native software which makes it possible to take best advantages of Cortana. There are some features which will not be supported on iOS straight away. The ‘Hey Cortana’ feature is one example. Microsoft is focusing on making Cortana on iOS better in coming releases.

Update: Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Cortana for iOS Beta to Selected Users. Read more.

Your life is not limited to one device, and neither is your digital assistant. We want help from our Windows Insiders to make sure Cortana is a great personal assistant on iOS.

Microsoft is looking for limited number users to test the first beta release of Cortana for iOS. At the moment, Cortana is available in U.S.A and China only but Microsoft aims to deliver updates to expand the features, functionality and reach to next levels.

We’ve focused on making Cortana on iOS the perfect companion to your Windows experience.

What is Cortana?

Cortana is Micrsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Google’s Google Now personal assistants. It can help you find things, as well as manage your calendar, track packages, find files, chat with you, tell jokes, etc. Over the time as Cortana learns more about you, it becomes more useful.

Isn’t Cortana for Windows devices only?

It initially was. But Microsoft is expanding its reach to Android and iOS devices as well. A public beta for Android is already in place. Now Cortana is going to be available on iOS devices for beta testing.

How to sign up for Cortana for iOS beta testing program?

Those who are interested in participating the Cortana for iOS public beta testing program can do so by taking a survey. Those who are found to be eligible for the program will be contacted via e-mail in coming weeks. The e-mail will contain the link to download the Corana iOS app. The survey is available for those currently living in U.S. only.

Update: Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Cortana for iOS Beta to Selected Users. Read more.

The total number of users to be accepted in beta testing and exact amount of time to receive download link is not specified so far.

You must be a Windows Insider user in order to submit your interest in beta testing of Cortana on iOS.

What is Windows Insider program? How do you become a Windows Insider?

Windows Insider program allows users to sign up for early builds of the Windows operating system and other software builds. Windows Insiders can opt-in to receive preview builds of software and give Microsoft feedback to help them make it better before it is made available publicly.

You can join the Windows Insider program by clicking here.

Want to read more about Cortana on iOS? Do it here.

I hope you found this article informative and I’d like to thank you for reading.

Until we meet next.