Microsoft launched its Cortana intelligent digital assistant to select iOS and Android mobile devices this week.

Cortana mobile works similar to the way it does on Google Now on Android and Siri on the Apple iOS. It’s designed to minimize physical tasks when using a smartphone. Cortana can perform web searches, create reminders or book Uber taxis, among others.

Devices must run either Apple iOS 8 or Android 4.1.2 for Cortana to work. The Cortana app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Previously, only Windows phones had Cortana but Microsoft has expanded Cortana to various platforms such as Windows 10 computers and smartphones that run on Android and iOS. Moreover, Cortana even allows users to sync their phone with their home computers.

Cortana also allows users to store information in Cortana’s Notebook or on their PC and these can be ported over to their smartphones. It even allows users to make changes to any of their devices and these changes will be reflected on their other devices.

Cortana for mobiles is available for download now in the U.S. and China, but Microsoft has said the app will soon reach other markets. Microsoft claims Cortana is more powerful than iOS and Android.

"There are some things Cortana can do on Windows phones that aren’t currently possible with iOS or Android.

"This includes toggling settings or opening apps, and the ability to invoke Cortana hands-free by saying 'Hey Cortana. The ‘Phone Companion’ app on your Windows 10 PC will help you install the Cortana app from the Google Play or Apple App Store onto your phone so you’ll be able to take the intelligence of Cortana with you, wherever you go”.

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