Microsoft has as we speak introduced that the Cortana app on iOS and Android, together with Cortana contained in the Microsoft Launcher, is being phased out early subsequent 12 months in sure markets. I reported final week that Microsoft was planning to take away Cortana from the Microsoft Launcher in sure markets, and now Microsoft has confirmed these plans in a assist doc.
The Cortana app on Android and iOS will stop to operate on January 31, and this contains the Cortana expertise through the Microsoft Launcher, simply as I had talked about beforehand. Sadly, Microsoft has not supplied a listing of markets the place this transformation will probably be put into have an effect on. I can affirm that Cortana will cease engaged on cell platforms in Canada and the UK, however there isn't any phrase on if this may prolong to the USA as effectively.
To make your private digital assistant as useful as doable, we're integrating Cortana into your Microsoft 365 productiveness apps. As a part of this evolution, on January 31st, 2020, we're ending assist for the Cortana app on Android and iOS in your market. At that time, the Cortana content material you created–reminiscent of reminders and lists–will now not operate within the Cortana cell app or Microsoft Launcher, however can nonetheless be accessed by way of Cortana on Home windows. Additionally, Cortana reminders, lists, and duties are robotically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which you'll be able to obtain to your telephone without spending a dime. After January 31st, 2020, the Cortana cell app in your telephone will now not be supported and there will probably be an up to date model of Microsoft Launcher with Cortana eliminated.
It is a actual disgrace, because it means the few customers making an attempt to be a part of the Microsoft ecosystem won't be able to make use of Microsoft's assistant as default on Android. As an alternative, Microsoft expects customers to make use of Cortana inside Microsoft 365 enabled productiveness apps reminiscent of Outlook and Groups, however which means Cortana will now not be an choice when eager to ask easy questions like "what is the climate like?" or "how tall is the Empire State constructing?"
Our interview with the top of Cortana and the way forward for AI at work
Microsoft says that the removing of Cortana on Android and iOS is restricted to cell platforms, and that Cortana on Home windows 10 will stay for customers who want to use it. That is smart, as Microsoft is presently in the course of constructing out a model new Cortana expertise for Home windows 10 with the 20H1 launch anticipated within the spring of 2020. What are your ideas on this transformation? Tell us within the feedback.
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