Google adds Hindi language support to Allo; learns what "Kya haal hai" means

In a bid to take instant messaging experience to millions in India, Google on Monday introduced Hindi language capabilities in its Google Allo smart messaging app. The new updates in “Google Assistant” and “Smart Reply” features will roll on Allo from Monday on Android and iOS devices and will be available to all users in the coming days, the company said in a statement. “Google Allo has received tremendous response in India which has one of the highest number of Google Allo users,” said Amit Fulay, Group Product Manager of Google. “One in every 12 messages in group chats are messages to the Google Assistant. We are enthused by this and today’s launch enables us to extend these features to the next millions of users in a language of their choice,” Fulay added. With the launch, the Google Assistant in Allo will now understand and respond in Hindi. “Chat one-on-one with your Assistant in Allo, or just type @google to bring your Assistant into any group chat. To start using the Assistant in Hindi, just say ‘Talk to me in Hindi’ or adjust the language setting on your device,” Google said. Google launched Allo in September this year. Packed with innovative features including “Smart Reply”, options for sharing photos, emojis and stickers, Allo uses Google Assistant and makes it easier for users to respond quickly and keep the conversation moving, even when one is on the go. Smart Reply will recognise the language a user is chatting in and begin to show suggested responses in that language. If you start chatting in Hindi, the “Smart Reply” will show a user suggestions in that language. So, now you can respond to your friends question “kya haal hai” with “Sab theek Hai” with a single tap. Users may no longer need to leave a conversation with friends just to grab an address, or share a YouTube video or pick a dinner spot. Apart from answers, Google Assistant in Google Allo can also provide latest news, weather, traffic, sports, or upcoming flight status. Users can also get information from pharmacies to ATMs, banks, parking, gas stations and grocery stores, etc., and directions right within their conversation from the Google Assistant. IANS