The arrival of Cortana on Windows 10 desktop systems opens a whole range of possibilities. If the user so desires, the virtual assistant can execute a wide array of commands, but with a bit of creativity and the right software, that capability extends even to other devices, such as Android smartphones and tablets. AutoRemote is one of the components that enables this kind of interaction, and although its setup process is a bit long, it is definitely worth exploring.
Having the ability to "talk" to the computer is something we have demanded for years. I vividly remember old dictation systems that required hours and hours of training, the small inconvenience of Windows Vista during its public trial, and other similar horrors, which led us to think we would never have this technology at our disposal. Fortunately, the emergence of mobile devices and the subsequent explosion in virtual assistants changed the picture completely. It was ultimately Microsoft that decided to take an extra step, transferring Cortana's resources to Windows 10. Developers have different methods at their disposal to extend Cortana's compatibility, but one of the most interesting options is controlling smartphones and tablets that do not belong to the Redmond giant.
Setting Up AutoRemote for Cortana
This idea brings us to AutoRemote, one of the modules needed to control an Android device with Cortana. The other modules are Tasker, responsible for automating various aspects of Android, and AutoVoice, which enables the creation of custom commands.
- Install the trio AutoRemote, Tasker, and AutoVoice on your Android device.
- Install the AutoRemote extension compatible with Google Chrome.
- Associate your Android device with that extension.
- Activate Cortana commands within the Chrome extension options.
- Add the sending of commands from Cortana to the desired device.
- Import a Tasker profile (available on the official page).
- Finally, use Google Chrome as the default browser in Windows 10.
To this we must add the detail that neither AutoRemote nor Tasker are freeware (about $3.25 on average per app).
As I said, long but not complicated. The result is that everything you could previously do with AutoVoice on Android, AutoRemote now allows on Windows 10 with the invaluable assistance of Cortana. In the future, it would be great on Microsoft's part if it improves the interoperability of Windows 10 and Cortana. Maybe with a dedicated app and a more linear configuration? Using Cortana as a "remote control" for our Android smartphone or tablet doesn't sound so bad.
