Cortana no longer supported on smartphones

Microsoft has cut support for its AI assistant Cortana on smartphones, instead continuing integration with its own productivity services. — Apple App Store

Microsoft’s Cortana mobile app will no longer be supported on smartphones, though some productivity features will continue on desktop.

On its support page, the company said support will be cut for both Android and iOS users as part of a pivot of the AI-powered productivity assistant.

Content created on the mobile app – like reminders, tasks and lists – will still be accessible through the Windows version and sync to Microsoft’s To Do app, which also has a mobile version.

Last July, Microsoft announced it would be making changes to “consumer-centric features and functionalities with lower usage”, which included third-party usage of Cortana on smartphones and speakers.

Instead, the software giant was focussing on integration into its own suite of productivity apps.

“We’ve spent a lot of time thinking through this transition and understand that these changes may be disruptive to some of our customers. We look forward to continuing to innovate on ways Cortana can help you navigate the modern workplace so you can save time and focus on the things that matter most in your day,” it said.

Microsoft first introduced Cortana back in 2015 on its Windows 10 desktop OS as well as Windows phones, then to Android and iOS later in the year.