Microsoft's release of the digital assistant on third-party platforms was heralded as great move to bring users to its ecosystem, but now there are plans to remove the Cortana app from Android and iOS devices come January 31, 2020.
While Microsoft had earlier offered a glimpse of the digital assistant, Cortana in the workplace, for use in its growing portfolio of productivity tools. And perhaps, the company wants to concentrate its effort on winning the enterprise with the discontinuation of support for the Cortana app.
According to the company, Cortana would be integrated into Microsoft 365 productivity tool, with the apps on Android and iOS removed in select market. At which point, all users content created via the app, such as reminders and lists, will no longer function within the app or Microsoft Launcher, but would still be accessible on the Windows platform.
Also, the reminders, lists, and tasks created via Cortana would be automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which can be downloaded for free on Android and iOS devices.
Microsoft, however did not specify the regions these changes will apply, though the document detailing the changes was found on Microsoft UK, Microsoft Canada, and Microsoft Australia’s website. But it's not confirmed if the Cortana app will still be available in the US.
It planned bringing new features to Cortana, including: the ability to send summary of upcoming meetings and relevant documents, with new Scheduler feature and by simply “cc-ing” Cortana into a mail, a user can book a call or locate a meeting room and a series of other options based on availability.
The roll out of the integration of Cortana into Microsoft 365 productivity tool will commence on January 31, 2020, which will also be the date of the removal of Cortana app from Android and iOS platforms.
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