Microsoft is testing a version of its Cortana app for iOS and Android devices that features a major interface overhaul and new features, according to Windows Central.

The updated app, which is being tested by beta testers, features a user interface that's focused on conversational experiences with Cortana, along with support for music and podcast suggestions, and a focus on setting reminders, timers, and meetings.

cortanaappuiupdates
For those unfamiliar with Cortana, it is Microsoft's personal assistant, available on Microsoft devices and other devices through iOS and Android apps. It is equivalent to Apple's Siri, Samsung's Bixby, and Google's Google Assistant.

Full release notes for the new features in the current beta are below:

- An update to the UI enabling conversational experiences with Cortana and a new place to manage and set up your Cortana devices

- Listen to music and podcasts on the go. Just ask Cortana to play your favorite tunes and podcasts with Spotify, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn on your phone or through a paired Bluetooth device

- Stay organized and on task. Set reminders, timers and create meetings with your voice

- Join your next Skype or Teams meeting by simply asking Cortana. You can also manage your calendar or send a quick email by voice

Following the beta testing period for the app, the new features with the redesigned interface will roll out to the official Cortana for iOS app. Cortana for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

BaccaBossMC Avatar
96 months ago
They could discontinue the Cortana app, or Cortana altogether, and everyone would be better off as R&D resources could be spent on something more useful, such as ensuring future versions of Windows don't delete everyone's files.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
96 months ago
Remind me why I care.

Siri is very convenient - I can use her without having to add and launch another app. But it doesn't make up for the fact that she's not intelligent or useful.

Cortana is maybe slightly more intelligent, but again, not convenient. Seems not useful.

Why are all these systems voice based? Why not make them touch or text based?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
srminton Avatar
96 months ago
Remind me why I care.

Siri is very convenient - I can use her without having to add and launch another app. But it doesn't make up for the fact that she's not intelligent or useful.

Cortana is maybe slightly more intelligent, but again, not convenient. Seems not useful.

Why are all these systems voice based? Why not make them touch or text based?
It's really for MSFT diehards who are only using an iPhone due to the lack of a Windows Phone alternative and aren't happy about it. Everyone else will either use Siri because it's built-in to the phone at system level, which makes it way more convenient and capable, or not use a voice assistant at all. It's not even like Cortana is significantly better than Siri, in the way you can argue that Alexa is. Even then, it would have to be at least 10 times better to make it worthwhile, given that all it's really good for without system access is searching the web and controlling its own app. (Again, unlike Alexa, which people will use to do things like control their smart home devices and speakers).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kangastu Avatar
96 months ago
Opening an app to use a voice assistant seems really pointless to me? If it’s not native and at your call seems like a waste of time?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...