Microsoft pulling the plug on Cortana app for iOS, Android

San Francisco, Nov 17 (IANS) Microsoft is pulling the plug on its Cortana mobile app for both Android and iOS devices in regions such as the UK, Canada, Australia and several other countries.

Beginning January 31, Microsoft will no longer support the digital assistant app in the above-mentioned countries, it said in three regional support notes.

When asked if the iOS and Android apps will also be shuttered in the US, a Microsoft spokesperson said that in addition to Britain, Australia and Canada, affected markets include China, Germany, India, Mexico and Spain, CNet reported on Saturday.

Notably, the Cortana app is used to configure settings and update firmware for devices like Microsoft's Surface Headphones.

Lists, reminders and other content created by way of the iOS or Android app will still be accessible via Cortana on Windows, the company said in its support page.

"Cortana is an integral part of our broader vision to bring the power of conversational computing and productivity to all our platforms and devices," a Microsoft spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNet.