Microsoft’s Cortana updated to replace Google Now as default PDA

The latest update to Cortana for Android, which bumps it up to version 1.0.0.204, allows users to ditch Google Now and set Cortana as the default digital assistant on their devices. That means, when you hold the home button and swipe up, the action that usually activates Google Now, you can access Cortana instead.

It’s worth noting that this is only just one of the primary ways users can launch Google Now on Android. Also, Cortana is compatible with more email providers, except for Yahoo, while Google Now only works with Gmail.

Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant is able to do numerous same things that other devices with personal assistants are able to do, such as answer questions using information gained from search engines, setting reminders, and recognizing a user’s voice for voice-activated services. For Cortana fans, “Hey Cortana” isn’t available in the update. Unfortunately the flagship “Hey, Cortana” feature won’t be coming to Android at all, as Microsoft has said hardware limitations prevent the software from constantly listening for the command. On the right there’s a wider panel where you’re allowed to pin tiles and next to the Start button was added a Cortana search bar next. This latest beta also features a more polished user interface compared to its predecessor.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) made a private release last month of the beta version of its Cortana digital assistant for Android.

Google Now can also be used on iOS, though in a more limited form due to restrictions imposed by Apple on third-party applications. But Google’s app lets users point their mobile device’s camera at a sign, book or other object with text on it and watch as that text is automatically translated into the language of their choice.

Cortana for Android is far from ready for prime time and is not yet in a position to be compared to the version available in Windows 10.