Users of Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows smartphones know that Cortana is actually a pretty good personal digital assistant. Like Siri on iOS, Cortana helps search devices, the cloud or the web for files or information, sets up reminders, and does other tasks at your command. Well, Microsoft yesterday opened up Cortana for iOS to a beta program, which means that the assistant will be coming to your iPhones and iPads soon.
The beta test is only open to members of the Windows Insiders program, and only in the US and China. If you meet the criteria, you just need to take a short online survey and if selected, you’ll be onboarded into the testing in the next few weeks. Microsoft forum moderator Syed N notes that some features, “like saying ‘Hey, Cortana’ to wake her up”, won’t be available on iOS.
Xbox gamers know that Cortana made her original debut as the AI companion of Master Chief in Halo (see image above) before getting a new job as a personal assistant earlier this year.
