Replace Your Pixel 2’s Google Assistant With Cortana
Your Google Pixel 2 has a pretty capable built-in butler in the form of Google Assistant . However, not everyone with an Android phone is fully involved in the Google ecosystem. In fact, some users may be – wait – Microsoft users. This means that Cortana is their virtual assistant. Thanks to Microsoft, you can ditch Google Voice Assistant and replace it with whatever you like best.
How to get Cortana on your phone
To change your voice assistant from the default Google Assistant to Microsoft’s Cortana , you’ll need a suitable app. You can download Cortana from the Google Play store. After the download completes, you will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one if you haven’t already).
Moving from Google to Cortana
Once signed in, you can follow the onscreen instructions from Cortana and make her your default helper. Click on “Add Cortana as Default Assistant” to go to the Settings page, specifically the Help & Voice Input page. Here you can change the helper app, edit Active Edge settings, and change your voice recognition settings. To get there manually, go to Settings> Apps & Notifications> Advanced> Default Apps.
You will need to change the assistant from Google Advanced Services to Cortana. Keep in mind that you will give him access to information about applications on your smartphone, as well as any personal data such as contacts and calendars.
Using voice commands
To wake Cortana from sleep, simply hold the Home button and Cortana will start listening while she shows you the rest of the day. You can turn on voice recognition in the Cortana app if you have a question when scheduling an upcoming meeting. On the settings page, turn on “Hey Cortana” so you and your new assistant can work hands-free, inside the app, or on your device’s lock screen. One downside: Using Cortana as your primary voice assistant disables the Pixel 2’s Active Edge feature. Squeezing on the sides doesn’t activate Cortana.