HP partners Sarvam AI for voice control in Indian languages

HP has partnered with Indian AI firm Sarvam AI to let users operate PCs using voice commands in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and other Indian languages. The collaboration will initially focus on voice technology, with plans to expand to other AI features on PCs.

Sarvam AI's technology supports over 22 Indian languages including natural code-switching between languages. The key application under this partnership is Kivi, which will be pre-installed on HP laptops and allow users to dictate text, draft content, search for information and interact with apps through speech rather than typing.

The companies aim to make computing more accessible for the large number of Indians who prefer speaking in their native languages over using English keyboards and mouse. Sarvam AI's platform includes speech recognition for 12 Indian languages and translation between 23 languages. The partnership is expected to benefit students who can dictate notes, professionals who can draft documents by voice, and users who code-switch between languages.

HP and Sarvam AI will explore adding more AI-based experiences to devices and everyday workflows beyond voice.