14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft announced several weeks ago that it would launch its personal digital assistant, Cortana, on both Android and iOS platforms this year.
However, they will not be released at the same time, as Microsoft announced the Android version should be launched sometime in July, whereas the iOS version won't be available until later this year.
Before Microsoft could release any of the two versions, Cortana for Android leaked online and everyone could download the APK file and test it on their Android devices.
Obviously, this was just a beta build that shouldn't have made it in the wild, even though Microsoft previous stated that Cortana would arrive on Android this month.
Apparently, the beta build leaked from a member of the Windows Insider program and Microsoft was quick enough to offer a short statement regarding the availability of Cortana for Android.
Cortana still on track for a July release
Microsoft has confirmed for ZDNet that Cortana is now being tested within a limited environment and that the final version will be released soon:
“In the spirit of the Windows Insider Program, we're testing the Cortana for Android beta with a limited number of users in the U.S. and China before releasing the beta publicly in the next few weeks.”
We have already tested the beta version of Cortana on both Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 5.1.1, respectively.
We did not find any issues with the beta version for Cortana, so you can go ahead and check out our screenshot tour.
However, since Microsoft announced that it wouldn't release its personal digital assistant until later this month, there might be some problems that need to be ironed out.
Those who are still interested to participate to the beta program can register on Microsoft Answer forum in the hope that the Redmond-based will select them.