Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) is releasing a beta version of its Cortana digital assistant for Apple’s iOS platform, announcing that only 2000 testers will be able to experience it.
The company announced its plans to begin testing Cortana on iOS in an online forum where a survey was shared among those who were interested in trying out the iOS software, and a limited number of people who clicked on it, received an email with a link leading to a download of the app on their own devices.
The digital assistant is designed for those iPhone users who also have a computer with Windows 10, however, it will not be absolutely necessary. Every iPhone can send Cortana voice commands to perform tasks such as organizing the agenda, manage alarms or create reminders.
“Your life is not limited to one device, and neither is your digital assistant. Cortana is with you on your Windows 10 PC, tablet, and phone-helping you whenever and wherever you need it. But we also know that there’s a choice of mobile devices out there, so we want help from our Windows Insiders to make sure she’s a great personal assistant on iOS too,” said Microsoft in a blog post.
Microsoft is using an Apple authorized method for distributing public betas on iOS, called TestFlight system. This method allows application developers to distribute beta to just 2,000 people, running for a maximum of two months.
Microsoft also announced that the beta program is only available to users in the United States and China, PC World Reported.
Source: Tech Crunch