Microsoft launched its Cortana virtual assistant (based on the character from the halo series) on the Android platform with many of the features you could find on the Windows phone and 10. In the latest beta, version 1.0.0.204, you can swap the Google Now shortcut to use it to launch Cortana instead. This can be done by holding on the home button in Lollipop.

This won't entirely replace Google Now as a whole such as voice search on the play store but this step will allow Microsoft to attract new users to use Cortana. On the downside Cortana still can't be accessed by “Hey, Cortana” as you can in Windows. Microsoft replied saying that this is due to "hardware limitations" not software limitations.

 

If you are currently using the beta available on the Google Play, check for an update to gain this feature. What if you are not part of the beta program? Click here to learn more on how to join.