Cortana for Android now mirrors notifications on Windows 10 PCs for beta testers

Back in April at Microsoft’s Build conference it was revealed that Cortana for Android users would soon be able to have their smartphone notifications show up on a Windows 10 PC. Now it seems that feature is rolling out, at least to some beta testers/Insiders.

A Reddit user posted screenshots showing the notification options in the latest version of Cortana, which lets users select what apps push notifications through Cortana on to a PC. As standard, Cortana can push missed call alerts, low battery warnings and incoming messages as well as a number of app notifications.

As it stands, it’s unclear who can get access to this new features. The Reddit thread (discovered by WinBeta) suggests that only members of the Insider beta testing program can gain access to the new features. However, another user stated they were able to use the feature simply by downloading the APK directly from APKMirror without being part of the beta group. Either way, it’s clear the feature is here, even if it is in its initial public testing phase.

Windows has a tough task in trying to convince Android users that the Cortana deserves space on their smartphones. Having lost its ‘Hey Cortana’ feature on Android some months ago, and having dismissed anything other than Microsoft’s own services as defaults on PC, it certainly seems to be moving in the wrong direction.

Mirrored notifications on PC will certainly go some way to convincing consumers of Cortana’s relevance. At least, until Google Assistant is live, at which point, Microsoft’s digital assistant will have a fierce battle on its hands.