Cortana Is On The Run To Go Global; Launches In Four New Countries

Microsoft is currently launching its digital assistant for Windows Phone smartphones in four new countries as it aims for  global availability.

The most responsive, useful and intelligent Cortana, digital assistant for Windows Phone smartphones, will be known in four more countries. Microsoft announced last week that Cortana is currently being rolled out in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain as an "alpha," which according to the company is a beta version.  

Cortana in beta will lack some major features like reference queries such as "How tall is Mt. Everest?" and flight tracking capabilities that are available to users in the U.S. If you are using Cortana for transit information, it is currently limited to larger cities in the four new launch countries. But the Redmond software giant has guaranteed to add the new features to Cortana as soon as more data is available.

Cortana in four European countries will be available through Windows Phone Developer Program, which will help Microsoft to gather the data it needs to perfect its digital assistant without any flaws. Users must first register as a developer and download the app to continue.

Microsoft launched Cortana in the U.S. in its Windows Phone 8.1 update earlier this year. The Siri-like virtual assistant has earned a respectable name among its efficient rivals. It is labeled fast, interactive, useful and entertaining (local chit chats and jokes). The beta version of Cortana has been demonstrated against Siri and Google Now and found to have almost similar results. Since its release, Cortana has made its way into China and the UK.

"Over time, we are planning to make Cortana available as a beta in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain just like in the U.S., China, and U.K. and we're dedicated to helping more people around the world get access to Cortana, the truly personal digital assistant!" Microsoft said.

Download the Preview version of Cortana app for registered developers from Windows Phone Store for free.