Microsoft frees Cortana from Windows with standalone Android app

You no longer need to use Windows to take advantage of Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana. Microsoft released an early version of Cortana on Google Play Monday, the first time the app has been available to all Android users.

Microsoft notes that Cortana on Android has much of the same functionality as the Windows version of the assistant. You can use the app to set reminders, search the web and add items to your calendar. The Android app also comes with the same "notebook" feature, which lets you tweak Cortana's personalized recommendations for nearby restaurants, news alerts, weather updates, sports scored and other categories based on your previous habits and interests. Read more...