Microsoft’s virtual assistant app, Cortana, is coming to the lock screen of an Android device near you.

3^rd Globally

Since the end of the apps official beta testing in 2015, Australians Android users could only access Cortana via workarounds that gave them access to the US version of the app store, where it’s been available for about a year.

Now, Cortana is available in Google Play for Australian users too. Global rollout of the app has been slow, with only the USA and UK beating Australia to the prize.

Down-under update

The launch of the app in Australia coincides with an app update that improves user experience and integrates Cortana more effectively with the Android lock screen.

The floating Cortana logo will appear the devices lock screen. Cortana will be directly accessible by swiping sideways on that logo. This makes the app just as accessible as Google’s own assistant and efficiency options.

MS on Android

Cortana doesn’t do a lot that couldn’t be done by one of Android/Google’s native apps, but it has at least one all important advantage—automatic integration with Microsoft’s full suite, including Windows, Outlook, Calendar and Office.

Fact is, there’s more Microsoft apps for Android than there are Google apps for Windows. There will be plenty of people tied into Microsoft’s broader product suite who will appreciate this simple automated tie-in.

Copy Transmission is a Melbourne-based agency :: Better Brands. Loud & Clear.