Tech
Microsoft Cortana will have another cool feature which could make it more useful. The latest beta reveals a version of Cortana that can be enabled even with a locked screen. (Photo : CNNMoney /YouTube)
Android users can look forward to a more helpful Microsoft Cortana personal assistant according to the latest reports. Cortana’s beta version is supposed to be available even if the phone screen is still locked. Direct access to the personal assistant will be available once a user’s device wakes up.
Microsoft already made changes to Cortana back in December. The major overhaul addressed numerous issues and made the personal assistant more efficient. While Amazon Alexa remains to be the gold standard for digital assistants, Microsoft is making the necessary upgrades to Cortana to make it more attractive to users.
The latest beta version on Android phones will show the Cortana icon once the phone wakes up. From the locked screen, the user can swipe the icon to access the panel and obtain the information from Cortana. If these reports are to be believed, the user can use the personal assistant while the phone screen remains locked.
Cortana is scheduled for release in the upcoming weeks but users on the beta program are excited about the newest update that enables “Cortana on lock screen.” The mechanism is quite similar to how cameras work even when the home screen is locked. There is an option to enable or disable this feature.
While this may seem to be an awesome feature, this could bring about some privacy issues. When users can summon their digital assistant without unlocking the phone anybody can request for information from Cortana. Microsoft is yet to reveal what it plans to do to avoid these issues and the level of access on a locked screen would probably be limited to only a few options. Access to sensitive information like contacts and messages could be inaccessible when the screen is lock. As noted by Greenbot, some details are still unclear about the Microsoft Cortana update and it remains to be seen if it would replace the Google Now icon on a locked screen.
Related Articles
Android Nougat Update For Samsung S7 Edge Halted, Millions Of Users Still Unable To Upgrade
A lot of Samsung Galaxy S7 edge users were disappointed when they did not see the option to upgrade its handsets to the latest Android 7.0 Nougat. Here’s the latest news from the rumor mill.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Update To Support Android 7.0 Nougat Interactive Notification
WhatsApp just decided to drop a beta update to make the app more compatible with the Android Nougat. This update will improve the app’s performance and suitability to devices running on the latest Google OS.
Microsoft Head Campaigns For Windows 10 Upgrade, Users Warned Against Windows 7’s Security Risks
Microsoft is encouraging all its users, especially businesses to upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft German’s Head of Windows explains the risks that a business could face if it continues using an outdated system.
© 2016 ITECHPOST, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission..
MORE IN ITECHPOST
TECH
Microsoft Cortana Beta Version Allows Direct Access To Personal Assistant Even On Locked Screens
Microsoft Cortana will have another cool feature which could make it more useful. The latest beta reveals a version of Cortana that can be enabled even with a locked screen.
SCIENCE
NASA’S Curiosity Rover Finds Meteorites Made Of Iron In Mars
NASA’S Curiosity Rover reportedly fins a meteorite-like rock on a mountain in Mars. Scientists though are still to study the object to confirm whether it is a meteorite or not.
GAMES
Ultimate Edition of Injustice 2 Will Be Worth $100?
Some people may think that $100 is a bit pricey for nine extra characters and some cosmetic upgrades.
