The software giant – Microsoft has confirmed the news of phasing out its virtual assistant service, Cortana from Android and iOS platforms. The company also mentioned that an updated version of Microsoft Launcher without Cortana will be launched, soon. So, we could soon see the end of support for Cortana App.
Microsoft killing support for Cortana App
Released for Android and iOS in 2015, the app was designed to connect Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones. However, it failed to compete with another digital assistant like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. As such, Microsoft decided to focus on integrating the service with business-focused Microsoft 365 productivity apps. It is also used to update the firmware and configure settings for devices like Surface Headphones.
An updated Microsoft Support page on 15 Nov 2019 reads-
To make your personal digital assistant as helpful as possible, we’re integrating Cortana into your Microsoft 365 productivity apps. As part of this evolution, on January 31st, 2020, we’re ending support for the Cortana app on Android and iOS in your market. At that point, the Cortana content you created–such as reminders and lists–will no longer function in the Cortana mobile app or Microsoft Launcher, but can still be accessed through Cortana on Windows. Also, Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which you can download to your phone for free.
After January 31st, 2020, the Cortana mobile app on your phone will no longer be supported and there will be an updated version of Microsoft Launcher with Cortana removed, it further added.
When support for the Cortana apps ends, Microsoft will release a new Microsoft Launcher app with Cortana removed. Having said that, the Cortana-created content will still be accessible through the version of the digital assistant available on Windows.
