Microsoft shuts down the Cortana app across Android and iOS
Microsoft has shut down its Cortana app for Android and iOS.
The shutdown marks the latest in a series of moves to end support for Cortana across multiple devices, including Microsoft's Surface headphones.
The Cortana app for Android and iOS is no longer supported, and Microsoft has removed it from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
According to the company's technical support note: As we announced in July, we will soon end support for the Cortana app across Android and iOS, as Cortana continues to develop as a production assistant.
The note added: As of March 31, 2021, the Cortana content you create - such as reminders and lists - will no longer work in the Cortana mobile app, but it can still be accessed through Cortana in Windows.
Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are now available in the Microsoft To-Do app instead.
Microsoft launched Cortana for the first time for the Android and iOS operating systems in December 2015.
The app was originally designed to connect Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones, but it failed to attract attention despite the major redesign.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella realized the difficulties the company was facing in competing with other digital assistants two years ago and revealed that the software giant no longer sees Cortana as a competitor to Alexa from Amazon, Siri from Apple, or Google Assistant.
Microsoft had once envisioned a future full of refrigerators, toasters, and thermostats powered by Cortana.
That dream came to an end earlier this month when Cortana's first and only speaker removed Microsoft's digital assistant.
Other devices, such as the Cortana-powered GLAS thermostat, are also no longer supported by Microsoft's digital assistant.
Cortana is not completely finished, however, Microsoft still sees value in AI for conversations and the company is trying to reposition Cortana as an assistant that can improve Microsoft's enterprise-focused offerings.