I think that Microsoft has been on the rampage this last year or so releasing Windows 8.1, the Surface Line, and now WP8.1 with Cortana and acquiring Nokia as well. I thought they were on a role even with the issues people (not me) have had with 8.1. I loved the Surface idea and thought that finally they had a match for Apples iPad. They were well on their way until they released Office for iOS and also for Android. This, was a terrible move on the Surface sales point of view. Office was suppose to be a perk for getting Windows and Surface. Someone on the fence now or that was on iOS will certainly not make the move to the MS echo system because the incentive is gone.
Now, they are doing the same thing with Cortana. iOS would never give up Siri or Google with Google now... These are incentives to join their system and buy their products. I you could get all the iOS perks on Android then Apple would be gone... Windows phone is really coming along fast and a lot of people, (and the media) are starting to pay more attention to WP 8 and even more so that Cortana has come out.
If MS wants people to start buying their phones and devices they had better make it worth while. Giving up all the benefits of having WP is not the way.