Microsoft Cortana virtual assistant to stop working on mobile devices

Microsoft has decided to pull the plug on Cortana for Android and iOS. Cortana is a virtual assistant by Microsoft that is supposed to compete with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri. But it seems like Cortana is no longer bearing fruit on Android and iOS so much so that the company is now giving up on its efforts to keep it available on mobile devices.

What does this mean?

Microsoft has updated one of the Cortana support pages on its official website. Microsoft has clearly stated that Cortana will cease to exist on Android and iOS after January 31, 2020.

Microsoft is integrating Cortana into Microsoft 365 productivity apps. While Cortana will stop working on Android and iOS starting from February 2020, Microsoft says reminders and lists created using Cortana will remain accessible through Cortana on Windows. Meanwhile, reminders, tasks and lists created using Cortana will be automatically synchronised to the Microsoft To-Do app.

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Microsoft To-Do app is available to download for phones. Here's what Microsoft has to say on its official website:

"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."

"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," Microsoft added.

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The Cortana for Android and iOS apps were launched back in 2015. However, the app never really took off or seemed to have what it takes to stand out in the competition. Since Microsoft did not expand Cortana's availability to smart speaker and display devices, consumers did not really have any choice but utilise alternative solutions. Since its initial launch, Cortana was always supposed to connect PCs and mobile phones.

The affected markets by this move happen to be India, China, Spain, Canada, Germany, Mexico and the UK.