Microsoft recently announced that its digital assistant can be used on Android phones without actually unlocking them, as Cortana is finally becoming available on the lock screen.
Available in beta this year, Cortana on the Android lock screen doesn't replace the entire lock screen, but instead displays an image that lets you interact with the assistant instantly.
You can see the weather forecast, your calendar, your appointments, and access any information Cortana can handle right from the lock screen of your Android device. This means you can use Cortana from the lock screen just like you would when the screen is unlocked.
While Microsoft hasn't talked about the number of Cortana users for Android, the company continues to improve the app and make it available to more customers around the world.
Today, for example, Microsoft is rolling out Cortana to Australia on both Android and iOS, with features like reminders, phone call management to send messages to whoever calls you when you're in a meeting, and a completely optimized mobile experience tailored to each platform.
“Earlier this month, we also brought the refreshed iOS app design to the US and brought the design to the UK. The more simplified look and feel for the apps makes it faster and easier than ever to get things done with quick actions, putting the most common things you do front and center, whether it’s for a reminder or viewing your reminders with a single swipe when you don’t want to use the Assistant,” Microsoft says.
