Cortana on Android and iOS.(Must Watch)

[wpfan1995]

This thread is for those commented on today's Rich Edmond's article about Cortana on Android & iOS.
Microsoft is reportedly working on bringing Cortana to iOS and Android | Windows Central

After seeing so much mean and hateful comments on the article itself,why not solve the mess here?
First of All:-
You guys have no idea what it meant to have "One OS" across all devices.
You can check this article of Tom Bradley from Forbes:-
Microsoft Strives For One OS To Rule Them All - Forbes
Also you can take a look at a (Q&A) article done by Mary Jo Foley(infamous) with Microsoft OS Chief Terry Myerson on CNet.com
Microsoft OS chief sees a 'One Windows' future (Q&A) - CNET

Second:-
Windows 10 will be a fully synced OS across all Microsoft Devices unlike Android and iOS they will have their respective standalone store app which will be not as great as on "Windows 10".
Stop Hating! MS is not looking for competition as they know it's too late to capture the mobile ecosystem quickly,instead they are providing their apps on 2 major mobile OS ecosystem so that it will help a person to get instant feedback and get work done as soon as possible.

Third:-
As a developer(beginner),I would like to say that MS is doing great job on focusing the future of development on universal apps.
This idea of having same app/same OS on all the MS devices is really great and awesome.
At some point,I also little bit got annoyed over MS to sharing its resources to other platforms but then I thought what's next will be
a faith of leap for Microsoft by introducing Windows 10 *throw hands in the air*.

Unlike you guys,I am still sticking with Windows Environment for awhile or till the launch of Windows 10.

HAIL THE NINJA-CAT RIDING ON FIRE-BREATHING UNICORN. :wink:

 

[rhapdog]

I really enjoy seeing someone employing a degree of common sense in this business. Thank you so much for your post.

Cortana going to iOS and/or Android would not be the end of WP. Failure to get rid of all the doom and gloom people would come closer.

 

[Wbutchart1]

I was thinking about this and after initially being perplexed about the advantage of this strategy I have a theory....

If, on competing platforms, the Microsoft apps on those platforms are consistently better than the default for the platform (ie word over pages, Cortana over google now) then people will have a good user experience with Microsoft. They will then get used to using Microsoft apps, and when the time comes to upgrade may be far more likely to upgrade to windows, as the apps they are using are on the platform and they have a positive experience of their engagement on that platform...

There can be a more aggressive side to this as well, as windows establishes a platform on other operating ecosystems, it has to first have better apps than the alternatives, however when this is established it can then overly strengthen the windows ecosystem apps. This could in theory lead to people getting used to using windows apps on other systems but becoming aware to get the full benefits they would have to jump. Now I know this is not presently the case, on 8.1 the apps are weaker in some contexts than those on ios for instance. However if this is part of the strategy it may work. No idea, but if I was planning with them and going down the route of apps on all systems, then I would put the strength cleanly and clearly on the windows side ultimately.

 

[theefman]

I was thinking about this and after initially being perplexed about the advantage of this strategy I have a theory....

If, on competing platforms, the Microsoft apps on those platforms are consistently better than the default for the platform (ie word over pages, Cortana over google now) then people will have a good user experience with Microsoft. They will then get used to using Microsoft apps, and when the time comes to upgrade may be far more likely to upgrade to windows, as the apps they are using are on the platform and they have a positive experience of their engagement on that platform...

There can be a more aggressive side to this as well, as windows establishes a platform on other operating ecosystems, it has to first have better apps than the alternatives, however when this is established it can then overly strengthen the windows ecosystem apps. This could in theory lead to people getting used to using windows apps on other systems but becoming aware to get the full benefits they would have to jump. Now I know this is not presently the case, on 8.1 the apps are weaker in some contexts than those on ios for instance. However if this is part of the strategy it may work. No idea, but if I was planning with them and going down the route of apps on all systems, then I would put the strength cleanly and clearly on the windows side ultimately.

Couple of things: your first point has already been proven to be invalid as so far even with superior MS apps and services on ios and android there has been no such move to Windows devices Plus those are not the only apps they use so it'll hardly be a deciding factor in choosing an OS. Secondly, what exactly are the "full benefits" of Windows to consumers already entrenched in their ecosystems? Lastly, what about all the apps they currently use that wont be available on Windows?

 

[rhapdog]

Couple of things: your first point has already been proven to be invalid as so far even with superior MS apps and services on ios and android there has been no such move to Windows devices...

Yeah, this is where you lost me. Your complete ignorance of how Microsoft is doing this with Windows 10 just amazes me, and made me not even want to read the rest of your post. I tried to read further, but the lack of punctuation and separation of sentences makes my head hurt, so I ended up ignoring everything past what I quoted above.

I have explained this in so many threads I'm getting sick of it, so sorry about the tone here up front. I'm getting pretty sick of this particular short-sighted argument from people who haven't paid attention to what Microsoft is actually doing, because it has been stated by Microsoft again and again. Try to follow.

MS apps and services on iOS and Android... the ones I hear the most complaints about are mostly programs that were already available on iOS and Android, except for Office. The new touch Office that is coming is coming with Windows 10, and it makes no sense to expend resources on it for 8.1 when all the resources are working on the Universal App for Windows 10 for all devices. Those programs already on iOS and Android, such as the Calendar and Outlook, are being ported, but, again, it makes no sense to port to 8.1 when Windows 10 is just around the corner. It was already on iOS and Android when Microsoft bought it, and will be ported to Windows 10 where the ROI (return on investment) makes more sense.

Another thing: Microsoft is a services company. They are not a hardware company, but they happen to put out some nice hardware. The money that keeps Microsoft a force to be reckoned with comes from their services. There should never be a surprise when Microsoft offers their services to where the most people are. It's called good business sense.

 

[Wbutchart1]

Couple of things: your first point has already been proven to be invalid as so far even with superior MS apps and services on ios and android there has been no such move to Windows devices Plus those are not the only apps they use so it'll hardly be a deciding factor in choosing an OS. Secondly, what exactly are the "full benefits" of Windows to consumers already entrenched in their ecosystems? Lastly, what about all the apps they currently use that wont be available on Windows?

My point is invalid.... I changed from iPhone to windows phone last week for that very reason, so it is working, perhaps on small scale.

However my main point was about positioning themselves at this time. If they give the best user experience on other ecosystems then this increase the chance of a jump. They are not in that position yet but witg windows 10 they will be much closer with the universal apps.

 

[TechFreak1]

First of all, It's Rich Edmonds who is the author of that article.

Secondly, like with anything there are pros & cons therefore both sides need to be considered.

Personally for windows phone the cons out weigh the pros (given the current situation), however if you're a user who switches between android & ios this move would be beneficial too you.

If you follow tech as most of here do, we understand Microsoft's end game however the average joe does not. In order to get wide spread support, you need to shift units and that is pretty hard to do if you have no compelling features when they can have a superior experience on the competing platforms and enjoy a very mature app & hardware ecosystem.

So everyone needs to stop tearing into each other and behave like adults, I could understand the ragefest if it was officially confirmed but it is not.

So everyone needs to chill!

 

[wpfan1995]

My point is invalid.... I changed from iPhone to windows phone last week for that very reason, so it is working, perhaps on small scale.

However my main point was about positioning themselves at this time. If they give the best user experience on other ecosystems then this increase the chance of a jump. They are not in that position yet but witg windows 10 they will be much closer with the universal apps.

Yes,Universal app will make a huge change for Windows Ecosystem.

 

[wpfan1995]

First of all, It's Rich Edmonds who is the author of that article.

Secondly, like with anything there are pros & cons therefore both sides need to be considered.

Personally for windows phone the cons out weigh the pros (given the current situation), however if you're a user who switches between android & ios this move would be beneficial too you.

If you follow tech as most of here do, we understand Microsoft's end game however the average joe does not. In order to get wide spread support, you need to shift units and that is pretty hard to do if you have no compelling features when they can have a superior experience on the competing platforms and enjoy a very mature app & hardware ecosystem.

So everyone needs to stop tearing into each other and behave like adults, I could understand the ragefest if it was officially confirmed but it is not.

So everyone needs to chill!

Damn! My bad.Didn't saw author name properly.Actually,I was in metro at the time of posting this thread.(Changed It)

Speaking of sides,I think MS is playing it safe like introducing apps on other platforms which will be helpful in near future(after launch of W10).
Most of us have a second phone like Iphone or Android other than our daily driver.
If not,then might be our colleagues do.I mean Android and iOS has most market share now,obviously one can browse through MS apps through any mobile OS which will be great for any person.

 

[froi francisco]

i am not against Microsoft's way of releasing MS Apps to other platforms. it is actually very very good for them. what irritates me is how MS "usually" releases MS apps to other platforms. Those Apps either comes to other platforms 1ST or the apps are more feature rich than the once we have for WP... It sucks big time...

#justmy2cents

 

[wpfan1995]

i am not against Microsoft's way of releasing MS Apps to other platforms. it is actually very very good for them. what irritates me is how MS "usually" releases MS apps to other platforms. Those Apps either comes to other platforms 1ST or the apps are more feature rich than the once we have for WP... It sucks big time...

#justmy2cents

Yeah it's an ugly truth that MS apps runs better on other platforms and also has a best user experience as compared to Windows Phone OS.
For now,We just have to wait for the bomb to drop by MS.
I just read an article about dominance of Windows OS on tablets.
It's a great news for Windows as sales of tablet is increasing slowly now.
I think sales is increasing because of 2 in 1 ultrabooks in which can use detachable device as tablet or as laptop.
Windows 10 tablet mode will surely do well more on 2 in 1 ultrabooks.
MS is heading in right direction now for sure

 

[EBUK]

I just read an article about dominance of Windows OS on tablets.
It's a great news for Windows as sales of tablet is increasing slowly now.
I think sales is increasing because of 2 in 1 ultrabooks in which can use detachable device as tablet or as laptop.

My workplace's IT department just gave me a Windows tablet to trial/evaluate. It's a Linx 10.

What can I say? It's a horrible experience compared with Windows on my laptop (non-touch.) I had been planning to move entirely to the MS eco system, but now I'm not so sure. And with Cortana possibly making an appearance on other platforms, well, Windows becomes a little less attractive.

I'll wait to see what W10 brings, and if it doesn't meet my need, my custom will move elsewhere.

 

[ajayden]

My workplace's IT department just gave me a Windows tablet to trial/evaluate. It's a Linx 10.

What can I say? It's a horrible experience compared with Windows on my laptop (non-touch.) I had been planning to move entirely to the MS eco system, but now I'm not so sure. And with Cortana possibly making an appearance on other platforms, well, Windows becomes a little less attractive.

I'll wait to see what W10 brings, and if it doesn't meet my need, my custom will move elsewhere.

​Lol. There we go again. Its really funny to read the threads now.

 

[EBUK]

I'm glad you're laughing.

I do, believe it or not, love my Windows phones, and I'll be using them for a while yet. But on the desktop/tablets, if Windows 10 does bring some major improvements, then as and when I need to upgrade my computers, rather than defaulting to Windows, other OSes will be high on my list of alternatives.

Although I dislike Android, there's no denying that as a tablet OS, the experience is better than I have with a Windows tablet.

Microsoft has to get everything right in Windows 10; it can't afford to alienate users again.

 

[rhapdog]

Does anyone remember what was said at the Windows 10 event?

Microsoft wants people to go from just "needing Windows" to "loving Windows." In order to do that, Microsoft needs to get people to love Microsoft again. Over the years, a lot of hate has built up for Microsoft. It's no easy task to overcome, but they are actually making headway with this.

This is something Nadella wanted when he came on board. In just over a year, all the tech companies are starting to talk more positively about Microsoft now. Microsoft is making "positive" news.

The vision is working.

And think of it... Cortana as an app on Android, and the deeper integrated the better, means that Android users would then be using Bing over Google if they are using Cortana.

Google's dominance of the global search in today's market is largely attributed to the searches done on smart phones. Android is the largest percentage of that, and Google's search market share is pretty close to the Android market share.

IF Microsoft will get it together and make Bing better on a Global scale, and IF Microsoft will get it together and get Cortana globally launched, and IF they can get handset makers like Samsung to integrate Cortana along with their other MS apps (Samsung is now going to include MS apps instead of the Google ones according to a recent agreement), then Google's strangle hold on the market will be weakened considerably. The advantage would become Microsoft in this scenario, and decidedly so.

Yeah, a lot of IFs are there. Microsoft has to start thinking outside the US if they want to be truly loved. I live in the US, and while I feel the love, I'm no dummy. I know they need to do things globally in today's market. Google understands that, which is why they have done so well.

 

[tgp]

And think of it... Cortana as an app on Android, and the deeper integrated the better, means that Android users would then be using Bing over Google if they are using Cortana.

Seems logical, but I think users here, being Microsoft fans, are seeing Cortana as the holy grail for Android. I don't believe it's quite that straightforward. Android has Google Now, which is quite good and continually improving. It's not looking ahead at Cortana's backside, at least not at the moment. I don't see very many Android users being interested in Cortana. I use both, and they're close enough in capabilities that I wouldn't switch from the native one even if the other was available. They each have their advantages, but overall they're pretty much equal.

(Samsung is now going to include MS apps instead of the Google ones according to a recent agreement)

Are you sure Samsung will be including the Microsoft apps instead of Google's? I believe they will be installed in addition to Google's. I don't know all the details of the agreement with Microsoft, but Google has some pretty stringent requirements for its OEMs. I'm pretty sure Samsung isn't ready to drop Google's Android. Someday maybe, but not yet.

I do think your entire post makes sense though. You've described pretty much how logic would dictate. Let's see if it works out that way. rly: So far not much in the smartphone arena has gone according to "logic"!

 

[ajayden]

Are you sure Samsung will be including the Microsoft apps instead of Google's? I believe they will be installed in addition to Google's. I don't know all the details of the agreement with Microsoft, but Google has some pretty stringent requirements for its OEMs. I'm pretty sure Samsung isn't ready to drop Google's Android. Someday maybe, but not yet.

Lol, looking at all these debates, it is fun to notice that none of us own Microsoft, Google or Apple, but we are all passionate about the OS we like.

However it is a positive sign that Microsoft services are being used by the largest seller of Android phones (with or without Google services). This gives majority of the android users an opportunity to try the wonderful services offered by Microsoft.

On top of this Samsung is also offering 100 plus GB of One Drive storage for users who purchase the S6.

These companies have come to peaceful terms.

 

[rhapdog]

Seems logical, but I think users here, being Microsoft fans, are seeing Cortana as the holy grail for Android. I don't believe it's quite that straightforward. Android has Google Now, which is quite good and continually improving. It's not looking ahead at Cortana's backside, at least not at the moment. I don't see very many Android users being interested in Cortana. I use both, and they're close enough in capabilities that I wouldn't switch from the native one even if the other was available. They each have their advantages, but overall they're pretty much equal.

Yeah, but Cortana is just plain sexier than both Google Now and Siri. That's my preference.

Are you sure Samsung will be including the Microsoft apps instead of Google's? I believe they will be installed in addition to Google's. I don't know all the details of the agreement with Microsoft, but Google has some pretty stringent requirements for its OEMs. I'm pretty sure Samsung isn't ready to drop Google's Android. Someday maybe, but not yet.

I can't say whether or not the Google services are installed. I do know that the agreement that Microsoft and Samsung reached that keeps Samsung out of an expensive trial for their patent infringements against Microsoft was that the Microsoft apps/services must be installed as the DEFAULT apps and services over their Google counterparts. Whether Google likes it or not, this is the way it is. If Google pitches a fit, well, this is why Microsoft invested into Cyanogen Mod, to protect the makers that go to the Microsoft services side.

I would imagine that if the pairing of Microsoft services on Samsung Android devices turns out to be successful, more vendors will be moving away from the Google services in the future. IF... Wait and see on that one.

Lol, looking at all these debates, it is fun to notice that none of us own Microsoft, Google or Apple, but we are all passionate about the OS we like.

However it is a positive sign that Microsoft services are being used by the largest seller of Android phones (with or without Google services). This gives majority of the android users an opportunity to try the wonderful services offered by Microsoft.

On top of this Samsung is also offering 100 plus GB of One Drive storage for users who purchase the S6.

These companies have come to peaceful terms.

Agreed, agreed, and agreed. Awesome stuff.

Off Topic: You know what Apple is really good for? Making sauce! Gotta love Apple Sauce. Just cut up Apple, put it in a blender, and voila! Yeah, that's what I like to see. Throw in a little cinnamon. Yeah!