Tag: Hindi

  • Amazon Launches Alexa+ in India with Hindi and Hinglish Support: What It Means for Users

    Amazon Launches Alexa+ in India with Hindi and Hinglish Support: What It Means for Users

    Amazon has officially launched Alexa+ in India, offering free Early Access to a limited number of users. The new AI-powered assistant is available on eligible Echo speakers, smart displays, Fire TV devices, and the Alexa app, with browser access planned. Alexa+ understands English, Hindi, and Hinglish, and Amazon intends to add more Indian languages over time.

    Prime members will continue to receive Alexa+ at no extra charge after the Early Access period ends. For other users, a paid plan costing Rs. 2,000 per month will be required. Teena Sidana, Country Manager for Alexa at Amazon India, stated, “Indian households are multi-generational, multilingual, and beautifully complex. Alexa+ was designed for that complexity.” She added, “India is home to one of the most diverse set of customers in world, and we’re excited for them to experience how much smarter, personalized, and more intuitive Alexa+ has become.”

    Key Features of Alexa+ in India

    Alexa+ is built for natural, flowing conversations. Users no longer need to say “Alexa” before every command. The assistant seamlessly switches between English and Hindi within the same interaction. It also recognizes common Indian phrases and terms like “dhai baje” and “ek paav”.

    Core capabilities include:

    • Smart home device control (compatible with Atomberg, Qubo, Dreame, Wipro, and more)
    • Shopping lists and Amazon order tracking
    • Product comparisons
    • Integration with Spotify, Apple Music, JioSaavn, Prime Video, and Netflix
    • Upcoming integrations with Swiggy, EazyDiner, and MakeMyTrip

    Language Support: A Game-Changer for Indian Users

    Language is a major differentiator for Alexa+ in India. The assistant understands mixed Hindi and English (Hinglish) and is designed to handle the multilingual, multi-generational nature of Indian households. Amazon plans to expand support to additional Indian languages in future updates.

    Pricing and Availability

    During Early Access, a limited number of users can try Alexa+ for free on eligible devices. Prime members will retain free access after the trial. Non-Prime users will need to subscribe at Rs. 2,000 per month. The wider rollout is scheduled to begin later.

  • Google Maps Brings Hindi Support and Live Transit Updates to Ask Maps in India

    Google Maps Brings Hindi Support and Live Transit Updates to Ask Maps in India

    Google has expanded its Ask Maps feature in India with Hindi language support, live transit updates, and a new Personal Intelligence layer powered by Gemini. The updates, announced on the company’s India blog, aim to transform Google Maps into a smarter daily assistant for commuting, local discovery, and travel planning.

    Hindi Support and Natural Language Queries

    With Hindi support, users can ask travel questions in a more familiar language, search for places, compare routes, and request local recommendations. Ask Maps uses Gemini to handle detailed natural language queries and can even remember earlier conversations when history settings are enabled, allowing travel plans to continue seamlessly.

    Real-Time Transit Information

    The update brings live bus, metro, and train schedules, including delay information, through a new widget. For example, searches around ISBT Kashmere Gate can show departure times, connecting routes, and changing wait times. This real-time data helps commuters make better decisions on the go.

    Personal Intelligence via Gmail Integration

    Personal Intelligence adds another layer of trip planning by optionally connecting to Gmail. With user permission, Ask Maps can access flight, hotel, or restaurant reservations to suggest nearby activities and suitable departure times. Google keeps Gmail access off by default, giving users full control over the connection.

    Beyond Navigation: Traffic, Weather, and Crowd Data

    Ask Maps also provides live traffic, weather, and crowd level information at restaurants or shops. These details help users choose better travel times and avoid crowded locations, making Maps more practical for everyday Indian commutes and short trips.

    Google first launched Ask Maps in India and the United States, positioning it as a conversational layer for Maps. The latest India updates combine language support, live mobility data, and personalized planning in one place, strengthening Maps as an everyday assistant beyond basic navigation.