Microsoft has showcased a set of tools that will enable users enter Indian language text into computers easily and quickly at the Microsoft India Development Center (MSIDC). The beta version of the tools will be made available as a free download soon and will initially support six languages, namely Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu. These tools have been engineered by the Emerging Markets Labs (EM Labs) team of the Microsoft India Development Center and the technology can be leveraged to support other syllabic languages beyond Indian languages.
These input tools use free-form transliteration. Users spell Indian language words in a natural (phonetic) way using English alphabet, which the tools transliterate into the right words in the chosen Indian language. In addition to desktop and web versions, visual keyboards for all supported languages are also available.
“There is a huge demand to consume and interact with Indian language content today. Tools that make it easy to search, communicate and create content in Indian languages are key for broader computing adoption and the tools we are showcasing today are aimed at addressing this need,” said Srini Koppolu, Corporate VP & Managing Director, MSIDC.
These Indic language input tools have been engineered by the EM Labs team whose work is focussed on increasing the reach of computing in the emerging markets. The diverse needs and wants of consumers in these markets, their affordability levels and the language barriers pose significant challenges to computing adoption. Innovation in technology and business models is the key to unlock the potential of these markets. Microsoft continues to drive various initiatives across the world in this regard.
