Cortana is not exclusive to Microsoft devices anymore as the tech giant tests a new feature that can launch this digital assistant from the Android lock screen. Both Google's Android and Apple's iOS are looking sharper with the latest Cortana update in December.

Make no mistake about it, iOS may temporarily be left out of Cortana radar this time around. Microsoft wants to test and focus on Android for the meantime, especially the easily accessible and lock screen deployable version of Cortana. Again, nothing is certain yet because the app is still in beta stages, MSPowerUser reported.

Microsoft confirmed that there are initial testers for Android Cortana and responses look promising already. Users can expect pop-up windows in their main Cortana app that asks them if they want to enable in lock screen as well. Should users decide to approve, Cortana can be swiped in lock screen without the need to unlock their devices.

While deploying voice assistant Cortana at lock screen is tempting, it is unclear if it will replace the current Google Now microphone. Google Now is currently placed on the lower left corner of the Android display and it is a question if Cortana will act as an additional icon only, Greenbot described. If not, there is a tendency that Cortana can be a replacement in a similar fashion that users can replace their stock Launcher 3.

Here is an assurance: Cortana will compliment the Android lock screen and will never replace its purpose. Cortana can be negligible for these users, but not the absence of pattern or passcodes for their Android.

To recall, Microsoft did the same strategy when they put Cortana on the lock screen of the Windows 10. Microsoft reasoned that Cortana's purpose of being a digital assistant should be accessible anywhere when needed by the user. It would seem like a no brainer that Cortana should be visible even when Android devices are locked.