Just because you have an Android device, that doesn't mean you have to commit to using Google Now. Maybe you don't trust el Goog with that much information. Maybe, for some reason, you rather give that data to Microsoft instead. In such a case, you're welcome to use Cortana as your digital voice assistant.

An early Android version has been available since last month. We've even seen an update roll out that lets you launch Cortana using the Google Now "swipe up" gesture. Now you can get future updates without having to hunt around for the APK or wait for Microsoft to approve your request. A Play Store beta program has become open to any and all Android users who want in. Well, any who live in the US, that is.

To get in on the action, all you have to do is ask nicely.

Source: Windows blog