Microsoft's Cortana private beta program launched for US and China app testers to run on Android devices

Microsoft, the leading OS company, launched a private beta program of Cortana for Android. The company's personal digital assistant is available only for beta testers in China and America. The public beta version is set to dispatch a few weeks from now. On the other hand, Microsoft did not mention the exact date of its public release.

In a news from Microsoft, the team is running a series of test software restricted only to beta testers from the U.S. and China before it is released for Android users worldwide.

A report from ZD Net states that Microsoft revealed it in the Windows Insider Program, (the service led by Microsoft for enthusiasts to experience the beta versions of software before it is about to release), "We are looking for a limited number of people to get their hands on an early version of the app. It's important to keep in mind that is the first public release of the Cortana for Android beta. And that for now, Cortana for Android is only available in the U.S. and China. Over the coming months, we'll continue to deliver frequent updates to the app to expand the features and functionality."

A survey was held by Microsoft controlling the access to those lucky beta testers around China and U.S. Afterwards, they start sending out the download link via email.

The software comes as an APK file (Android Application Package Kit) which means it can be installed on any Android running devices. So anyone using their Android devices can install Cortana by just disabling the security settings that block the sideloading apps.

Rumors cracked up that it can still be sent to other users even if they don't sign up for the beta program, which is when an Insider member from the U.S. and China uploaded the private beta app.

Just the same, Cortana is designed to run in cross-platform in the future. Eventually, aside from Windows Phone, we will be expecting Cortana in iOS too.

Relatively, Win Beta compared Cortana between Android and Windows Phone. As they took some assessment in design, it seems that Cortana on Android is pretty much the same with Windows Phone. But the speech recognition in the Android version is a lot better. There are still applications such as Email, Reminders, Weather, Sports and Calendar, just like its older version on Windows 10. But more information and updates will keep you posted on Windows Phone.

Android Police cited some directives that Cortana can do. Before everything else, you must tell Cortana your name. Then you can ask Cortana to set schedules from your calendar, set calls and search for directions all through a voice command.

Cortana has been an exceptional component of Windows 10 and it is battling with Siri and Google Now in functionality. Many Android fans are waiting for a personal digital assistant like this.