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"Hey Cortana" voice activation blocks "OK Google" on U.S. Android phones; feature removed in update

By Alan Friedman

Updated: Dec 21, 2015, 6:11 PM

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Cortana for Android receives an update

An update to the Cortana for Android app in the U.S., removes a feature that was causing problems for stateside Android users. For now, those using a phone powered by Google's open source OS cannot summon the personable voice-activated virtual assistant by calling out "Hey Cortana." On Reddit, some Android users have posted anecdotal stories about how activating the "Hey Cortana" feature broke their phone's microphone across the entire Android platform.

Activating "Hey Cortana" also caused problems with Android users unable to activate the "OK Google" hotkey. In addition, there were times when Google could not be activated even by pressing on the search bar or the microphone image. We can tell you that this is exactly what happened to our Motorola DROID Turbo. Once we deactivated "Hey Cortana," all functionality returned.

Besides removing the "Hey Cortana" voice activation from the app, the update improves the stability of Cortana for Android and adds enhanced call and text features. You can find the update in the Google Play Store by clicking on the hamburger app and clicking on My apps and games.

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source: Reddit via AndroidCentral

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Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.

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"Hey Cortana" voice activation blocks "OK Google" on U.S. Android phones; feature removed in update

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