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by ironcrucible 4268 days ago
I used to be a heavy Android user until I bought my first Windows Phone about six months ago. So far, Cortana has been one of the biggest[1] reasons I haven't switched back to Android, despite what feels like a lack of commitment and focus from Microsoft[2].

Her location-based and people-based reminders have been a killer feature for me. I can open Cortana and say "Next time I talk to my mother, remind me to ask her for her cheesey corn recipe". Then, next time I open the messaging app to text my mother, or open the email app to email her, or when the phone's GPS realizes I'm over at her house, Cortana will show that reminder[3].

It also works for location-based reminders: "Next time I'm at the hardware store, remind me to buy softener salt". It's been about six months since I've last used Android, but I don't think Google Now could do these types of reminders when I switched.

[1]. Two other reasons: I much prefer "Live Tiles" to widgets or app buttons, and the Lumia line's cameras blow most other phones out of the water.

[2]. According to the /r/WindowsPhone subreddit, Microsoft tends to update their apps on Android and iOS long before they update them on Windows Phone. Additionally, apps on the other two platforms tend to be more feature-complete. This is all anecdotal though, so take it with a grain of salt.

[3]. http://imgur.com/DBQ9sjB http://imgur.com/fll3uCi

2 comments

Google Now does do location-based reminders. I've never tried the "Next time I'm talking to my mom" thing, though.
I'd be interested to know if Google Now can do people reminders. Unfortunately I sold my last Android device so I'm unable to test it myself, but a quick search brings up this article[1] which suggests that it doesn't exist yet. Either way, I'm sure it's only a matter of time until both Siri and Google Now can do it too (which is a good thing, I've found it incredibly useful).

[1]. https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/3122344?hl=en

It can't do reminders when you are around people yet but there have been clues[1] that it's coming found when poking inside the Google Search app. It's expected to make use of the leaked Google Nearby[2] which will "...periodically turn on the mic, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and similar features..." to aid with proximity.

1. http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/03/17/rumor-remind-me-when... 2. http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/06/06/exclusive-google-wil...

For the record, Siri also does location-based reminders and they sync across all of your devices (e.g. "When I get home, remind me to take fish oil").
Thanks for clearing that up, I've never used Siri so I'm not qualified to talk about Apple's personal assistant features.