You can now replace Google Now’s quick startup function with Cortana
Microsoft’s voice assistant, Cortana, is shaping up to be a great alternative to Google Now. It’s bolstered by the fact that Cortana is built into every Windows 10 device. And now it’s getting even better for those who prefer to use it on their Android phones.
The latest beta update has introduced a feature which allows you to have Cortana take over the standard quick launch button for Google Now, which is typically facilitated by a long-press of the home button on most Android phones. We’re not so sure we’d want to permanently replace Google Now ourselves, but this is a nice feature for those who fancy Cortana over it.
It’s worth noting that this is only just one of the primary ways users can launch Google Now on Android. There’s also the handy “OK Google” command which can actually be triggered from any app on most Android phones. It’s not yet possible for Cortana to do the same on Android, so it launching it with voice won’t be quite as smooth (you could still launch it with “OK Google, Open Cortana” if you wanted to.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the closed beta for Cortana you can grab the update from Google Play right now. You’re looking for version 1.0.0.204, so get over there and try it if you’ve been waiting for a feature like this.
[via Microsoft News]