Google Assistant Reaches Offline Users in India Via Free Phone Line
Google launches a free 24/7 telephone line in India that allows people without internet or smartphones to access Google Assistant. The company also introduces a real-time interpreter mode for English and Hindi translation.
Google introduces a free telephone line that brings its Assistant service to basic cell phone users in India without internet access. Anyone on the Vodafone-Idea telecom network dials a specific number to ask questions and receive answers at no charge. This initiative aims to connect with the hundreds of millions of Indians who remain offline despite the nation's growing internet user base.
The tech giant also unveils an interpreter mode feature for Google Assistant that acts as a real-time translator between English and Hindi speakers. This addition addresses the massive demand for local language support, as only ten percent of India's population speaks English while over half a billion people speak Hindi. Hindi already ranks as the second most popular language for the digital assistant.
Furthermore, Google updates Assistant to understand spoken commands in a different language than the one set as the preferred device language. These customized updates highlight how Silicon Valley companies adapt their services to overcome local challenges and unlock growth in India's vast market. Amazon makes a similar move by updating its Alexa assistant to understand and speak Hindi.