Microsoft to End Support for Cortana on Android and iOS in 2020

Microsoft Cortana is a personal virtual assistant developed by Microsoft for its Windows lineup products. In order to compete with Siri and Google Assistant, in December 2015, Microsoft had launched Cortana as a standalone app for Android and iOS. But it seems, Cortana has failed miserably to make a dent in the regard. Finally, Microsoft has decided to end support for Cortana on both Android and iOS. In a new support article, Microsoft has confirmed that it is going to kill support for the standalone Cortana app for Android and iOS on January 31, 2020.

The support article doesn’t mention a specific market where the app will see its end. However, in a comment to The Verge, Microsoft confirmed it would end support for the Cortana app in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Mexico, China, Spain, and India. After January 31, 2020, Cortana standalone app and Cortana on Android launcher will no longer work in the said market. Even though Microsoft didn’t say anything about other markets, but it can be guessed that Microsoft is planning to end support in other markets throughout the year.

After failing to create a substantial user base in Android and iOS, Microsoft is now focusing more on integrating Cortana on Microsoft consumer products and business products.

“Cortana is an integral part of our broader vision to bring the power of conversational computing and productivity to all our platforms and devices,” Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to The Verge “To make Cortana as helpful as possible, we’re integrating Cortana deeper into your Microsoft 365 productivity apps, and part of this evolution involves ending support for the Cortana mobile app on Android and iOS.“

In the support article, Microsoft did confirm that after January 31, 2020, Cortana won’t be functional and won’t be able to perform tasks such as create a list, a reminder on Android, and iOS. However, users can access their synced to-do list and reminder through Cortana on Windows. Microsoft is also planning to release an updated version of Microsoft Launcher for Android with Cortana removed.

Full text from Microsoft support article in India:

To make your personal digital assistant as helpful as possible, we’re integrating Cortana into your Microsoft 365 productivity apps. As part of this evolution, on January 31st, 2020, we’re ending support for the Cortana app on Android and iOS in your market. At that point, the Cortana content you created–such as reminders and lists–will no longer function in the Cortana mobile app or Microsoft Launcher, but can still be accessed through Cortana on Windows. Also, Cortana reminders, lists, and tasks are automatically synced to the Microsoft To Do app, which you can download to your phone for free.

After January 31st, 2020, the Cortana mobile app on your phone will no longer be supported and there will be an updated version of Microsoft Launcher with Cortana removed.

Microsoft Cortana support article

Do you use Cortana on your Android or iOS? I am not a Windows user and never installed Cortana on my Android. I think it is a good move by Microsoft to end support for the app that barely anybody uses. I would love to know your thoughts on this topic.