14 DAY TRIAL // Since Microsoft released Cortana on Android devices, many people have started using the new personal digital assistant on their smartphones.
In fact, Android users benefited from not one, but two personal digital assistants available on their phones: Cortana and OK Google.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long since Microsoft has just updated its Android application and removed the “Hey Cortana” feature.
According to the Redmond-based company, its “Hey Cortana” feature interfered at times with OK Google.
Based on the feedback received from users, this feature is conflicting with Android voice search, which is why Microsoft has decided to disable it until they found a solution to the issue.
Ever since the new update hit Google Play Store, many Cortana users have complained that the only reason they would use Microsoft's personal digital assistant was to benefit from the “Hey Cortana” feature.
“Without Hey Cortana, there's no reason to use this app over Google Now why do I have to actually open the app when I could just: 'Ok Google, uninstall Cortana.'
“First Microsoft screws up with Windows, and then they kept messing up the Skype app for a while, let's see if they actually listen to the people for once the make, at least one good product this year,” says one user.
Hey Cortana remains exclusive to Windows Phone at the moment
Currently, Hey Cortana feature is only available for Windows Phone users, as Microsoft did not release it on iOS and had recently removed it from the Android application (in the United States).
The official changelog of the latest update also mentions that the new version of Cortana for Android devices features improved stability and enhanced call and text features.
If you don't have the application yet, you can now download Cortana for Android for free via Google Play store. The application should be fully compatible with all devices running Android 4.0 and up.