Health app for Android adds Cortana support for the Microsoft Band 2

If you’ve been using your Microsoft Band 2 with an Android smartphone, then you’ve probably enjoyed the extensive support that Microsoft has provided for your device. Almost everything that the Band 2 can accomplish has been supported with Android, including a number of features such as the on-screen keyboard that aren’t supported on the iPhone. The only thing missing, in fact, compared to Windows phones has been the ability to invoke Cortana and issue voice commands on Android devices.

That’s changing, however, with the latest update of the Health app for Android. As you can see, Cortana support has been added in, making the Band 2 work as well with Android as it does with Windows phones. Here’s the changelog:

– Connect and compete with your friends – Create challenges for steps, cardio score, runs, and bike rides between you and your Facebook friends who also use Microsoft Health.
– Cortana is now available on Android – With Cortana on your Band, you can access your personal assistant for instant notifications of important events, communications, and voice-active info without reaching for your phone. Speak into the mic on your Band to Cortana to take actions for you.
– Bug Fixes

Microsoft does indicate that Cortana is supported on “your Band,” and so we’re not entirely sure if the original Band is actually supported. If you own an original Band, then give it a shot and let us know in the comments if Cortana is actually supported. Of course, Band 2 users can get using Cortana right away, and we’d love to hear from you as well.

(Author’s note: I’m not at all surprised at the ever-expanding Android support. It makes sense given Microsoft’s cross-platform and evolving Windows 10 Mobile strategies. At the same time, it’s clear that Microsoft will likely be looking to other functionality, such as Continuum, to differentiate Windows 10 Mobile, and not necessarily integration with Windows 10 and Microsoft’s other products and services.)