Cortana update lets you replace Google Now on Android

Last month Microsoft launched its Cortana virtual assistant on Android with a similar set of features to its Windows Phone counterpart but it was missing one key feature; the ability to set Cortana as the default personal assistant. In the latest beta, you can change the Google Now shortcut (accessed via pressing and holding the home button) and use it to launch Cortana instead.

[related_videos align=”left” title=”Related videos” type=”custom” videos=”626591,628118,628115,626236,624837,624818″]Google Now is still accessible via other methods in the OS but giving users the chance to replace Google Now and is crucial to the success of Microsoft’s assistant on the Android OS. The update however doesn’t bring the “Hey, Cortana” feature but Microsoft has already said this is mostly due to hardware limitations that mean Cortana can’t constantly listen for the command.

As highlighted by Microsoft-News, the latest Cortana for Android version is 1.0.0.204. If you’re using the beta, head over to Google Play to check for an update and if you’re not part of the beta program but would like to join, Microsoft has more info here.