Use the personal assistant without unlocking the phone

Mar 28, 2017 07:35 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has recently announced that its digital assistant can be used on Android phones without actually unlocking them, as Cortana finally becomes available on the lock screen.

Available in beta since earlier this year, Cortana on the Android lock screen does not replace the entire lock screen, but only places an icon that makes it possible to interact with the assistant instantly.

You can see the weather forecast, the calendar, see your appointments, and access any information that Cortana can handle for you straight from the lock screen of your Android device. This means that you can use Cortana from the lock screen just like you’d normally do when the screen is unlocked.

While Microsoft has never talked about the number of users Cortana for Android has, the company continues improving it and making it available to more customers across the world.

Android and iOS users in Australia also getting Cortana

Today, for instance, Microsoft is also rolling out Cortana in Australia on both Android and iOS, with features likely reminders, phone call management to send texts to whoever calls you during a meeting, and a completely optimized mobile experience tailored to each platform.

“Earlier this month, we also brought the refreshed design of the app to iOS in the US and introduced the app to the U.K. The more simplified look and feel for the apps makes it faster and easier than ever before to get things done with quick actions, putting the most frequent things you do front and center, so setting a reminder or viewing your reminders is just a tap away when you don’t want to use voice,” Microsoft says.

The personal assistant continues to be available just in select markets, such as the United States, but more countries should get it as work on new updates is completed. If you want to give this new version a try, you can download Cortana for Android APK here and install it on your Android device.

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Cortana on the Android lock screen
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