Microsoft's last big update to Cortana for Android brought the ability to send texts with your voice, and now the company is filling in the other side of that equation with its latest beta update. Rolling out to beta testers now is the option to have Cortana read your messages aloud.
The feature isn't documented in the app's release notes, but Microsoft detailed it in the private Google Plus community for beta users (via Thurrott).
Testers will now find a toggle in the settings menu labeled "Read incoming messages aloud." By default, Cortana will only read messages aloud when connected to a Bluetooth device when toggled on. However, there are also options to have the assistant always read messages out loud, or only when connected to a wired headset.
It's an interesting feature that, when combined with the option to compose texts with your voice, could make for a solid hands-free experience. That could come in handy when you're driving a car or otherwise in a spot where you can't be bothered to pick your phone up.
If you're a Cortana beta tester on Android, you can check out the feature now with the app's latest update. Otherwise, you can sign up to become a tester or just wait for the feature to eventually make its way to the release version of the app.
