14 DAY TRIAL // One of the features that Windows Phone users switching to Android are missing a lot these days is Cortana reading their messages in hands-free mode.
It appears, however, that Microsoft has heard the feedback, and since Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile themselves no longer have a future, the company is trying to make the best of these platforms available on Android. Including this ability to have text messages handled by Cortana.
Microsoft is reportedly working on new capabilities for Cortana on Android that would allow the digital assistant to read text messages aloud, just like it did on Windows phones.
Users will be allowed to disable this feature for privacy reasons
Currently in beta, this feature is enabled by default when the device is connected to Bluetooth either to a third-party accessory or even to your car. Needless to say, such capabilities are most helpful when driving, so Cortana can read all your messages through your car speakers when behind the wheel.
While by default this feature will be enabled in Cortana for Android, Microsoft will offer several customization options and provide settings to disable it completely. The company says it loud and clear in a message sent to beta testers that privacy-obsessed users can block this functionality.
“This beta feature currently will automatically read all incoming SMS aloud. DO NOT install this update if you have privacy concerns. All your SMS’s will be read aloud without asking for confirmation to read them,” the message explains.
There’s no ETA just yet for when this feature is projected to land in stable form, but since the beta testing has already started, it shouldn’t take too long for Microsoft to finalize development. The company has been very committed to improving its Android and iOS apps, and in most of the cases, major updates are released on a monthly basis to supported devices.