Microsoft has decided to pull out a key feature of the Cortana app for the Android platform in the U.S. market.
According to the tech giant, the decision was made after several users complained about the app's "Hey Cortana" voice command feature, Android Central reported.
The company's personal digital assistant only debuted for Goolge's mobile operating system a couple of weeks ago. Basically, through the "Hey Cortana" voice command, Android users were able to activate the features of the digital assistant.
However, even before the launch of Cortana on Android, the platform already has its own personal assistant. And like Cortana, the "Ok Google" command allowed users to request information by speaking into their mobile devices.
So, after the features debut, Android users were given the option to use both commands. But, since these two function similarly, smartphones are having a hard time keeping up with their features when activated at the same time.
Some users even complained that the problem broke certain features of the handsets such as their microphone and the hotkey for "Ok Google."
In response, Microsoft dropped the voice command support for its digital assistant. In a statement, the company noted that the removal of the feature is just temporarily and will probably make a comeback for the Android platform after necessary tweaks and improvements have been made.
"We've received user feedback that the 'Hey Cortana' feature is conflicting with Android voice search and are temporarily disabling the feature while we evaluate a solution," a spokesperson from Microsoft told Venture Beat.
The company's representative, however, did not mention when Android users can expect to see Cortana on their devices.
Aside from the removal of the feature, Microsoft also released new updates for its Cortana app for the Android platform. As noted in the Win Beta site, the updates include enhancements for the app's overall stability and improved calling and texting features.
Android is not the only platform that the Cortana app debuted on. Earlier this month, Microsoft also launched a similar program for Apple's iOS. According to Eric Horvitz, the managing director of Microsoft Research, the arrival of Cortana on the platforms of rival companies is part of the tech giant's plan of expanding its services.
By debuting the "Halo" game-inspired digital assistant on other operating systems, Microsoft will be able to accommodate users of various platforms.
"We're defining the competitive landscape...of who can provide the most supportive services that make life easier, keep track of things, that complement human memory in a way that helps us get things done," the executive told Reuters.
