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You can now talk to Cortana from your Android lock screen

Cortana's latest update adds voice recognition to the lock screen. (Source: Google Play)
Cortana's latest update adds voice recognition to the lock screen. (Source: Google Play)
Cortana for Android's latest update brings all of the virtual assistant's features to the lock screen. You can now ask questions and issue commands without having to unlock your phone.

Earlier this month, Microsoft published an update for Cortana on Android that brought the virtual assistant to the lock screen. The update allowed users to check out their personalized feed and schedule, as well as general information, with just a quick swipe. Cortana wasn't available in all her glory, however; she couldn't answer any questions or respond to spoken commands. Thankfully, those features did not take long to arrive—with today's "above the lock" update, Cortana is now a fully-capable assistant.

This latest update brings Cortana for Android up to par with her Windows counterpart as well as her Google and Apple competitors. Cortana can now answer questions about the weather, news, and sports, as well as most other inquiries, just like Google Assistant or Siri. She can also follow commands, such as opening apps, scheduling tasks, or jotting down notes, all without you ever having to unlock your phone.

The new update also brings improvements to the Cortana home on Android. Upcoming reminders, commute times, and the daily schedule are now available at a glance; the ability to add reminders and new calendar items has been added. In addition, it's easier than ever to view and edit lists.

Finally, both the Android and iOS Cortana apps are now available in Australia, meaning that any Aussie with a smartphone can now take advantage of the virtual assistant's improved features.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2017 03 > You can now talk to Cortana from your Android lock screen
John Garcia, 2017-03-27 (Update: 2017-03-27)