Well, to be quite frank, we can’t say that Microsoft didn’t give us efficient lead time to switch to an alternative virtual assistant such as Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri (if you are an iPhone user) on your smartphone seeing as it gave notice of the impending demise of Cortana functionality on iOS and Android devices back in July of 2020 (with evidence as early as November 2019). Microsoft’s Cortana apps for Android and iOS have officially reached their defunction on March 31 2021.
Microsoft has shut down its Cortana app for iOS and Android and it’s the latest in a series of moves to end support for Cortana across multiple devices, including Microsoft’s own Surface Headphones. The Cortana app for iOS and Android is no longer supported, and Microsoft has removed it from both the App Store and Google’s Play Store.
“As we announced in July, we will soon be ending support for the Cortana app on Android and iOS, as Cortana continues its evolution as a productivity assistant,” reads a Microsoft support note spotted by MacRumors. “As of March 31, 2021, the Cortana content you created–such as reminders and lists–will no longer function in the Cortana mobile app, but can still be accessed through Cortana in Windows.” Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are now available in the Microsoft To-Do app instead.
Microsoft first launched Cortana for iOS and Android in December 2015. The app was originally designed to connect Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones but failed to gain traction despite a big redesign. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recognized the company’s difficulties in competing with other digital assistants a couple of years ago, revealing that Microsoft no longer saw Cortana as a competitor to Alexa and Google Assistant.
Microsoft had once envisioned a future full of Cortana-powered fridges, toasters, and thermostats. That dream came to an end earlier this month when the first and only Cortana speaker removed Microsoft’s digital assistant. Other devices like the Cortana-powered GLAS thermostat are also no longer powered by Microsoft’s digital assistant.
Cortana isn’t completely finished, though. Microsoft still sees value in conversational AI and the company is trying to reposition Cortana as an assistant that can improve Microsoft’s enterprise-focused offerings.
