Internet access is something that not everyone around the world is privileged to have. Now, people in India can access Google Assistant even without a smartphone or internet access by simply dialing a specific phone number.
Google Assistant In India
For many people, Google Assistant, or any other voice assistant for that matter, is already a big part of their lives. However, there are still many places in the world without proper internet access, so voice assistants such as Google’s are not commonplace. In India, for instance, earlier this year Google partnered with KaiOS to help bring its voice assistant to some feature phones with internet access.
Now, Google is taking it a step further using a 24/7 telephone line that people in India can use to access Google Assistant. Anyone on Vodafone or Idea Telecom networks can now simply dial 000-800-9191-000 and they will have access to Google Assistant at any time of the day for free, whether in English or in Hindi.
There, users can access common Google Assistant features such as asking about a song, about sports, or even searching for specific locations. However, features such as calling a friend or creating a calendar event are likely unavailable because the Assistant will not be linked to a Google Account.
Google For India
Google had many things in store for India at the recent Google for India event. For instance, Google announced the next step after completing the Google Station project wherein Google and its partners brought Wi-Fi access to 400 railway stations. Now, it will be expanding the project to other places such as Gujarat and Bihar where there is no Wi-Fi access.
Google is also adding more Indian languages to common Google apps that Indians frequently use such as Lens, Discover, and Bolo which has already helped 700,000 young Indians learn to read. In fact, since Google launched Indian languages on Google Assistant two years ago, Hindi has become the second most used Assistant language in the world after English.
“These are just some of our efforts to help more Indians share in the benefits of the internet economy, and we’re looking forward to continuing to contribute to India’s extraordinary progress and growth,” said Caesar Sengupta, General Manager & Vice President of Google’s Payments and Next Billion Users.
