Intel developing computer chip that supports voice-enabled applications

Computer chipmaker Intel today said it is working on developing a chip that can support voice-enabled software applications in computers that may be launched next year.

"We are working closely with many companies on voice-enabled application... We are working on a chip that will be compatible with voice-enabled interface, and will be powerful enough to be able to process voice with minimum usage of battery," Intel Technology India, Director, Marketing & Market Development (South Asia) Sandeep Aurora told reporters in Chandigarh on Thursday.

"I expect it may come out next year," he said.

Noting that a few voice-enabled interface solutions are available in the market, but which are not sufficiently robust, Aurora said, "for a country like India where the literacy rate is not that high, the rolling out of voice-enabled software solutions will be immensely beneficial."

Intel launched its fourth generation Core processors earlier this year, which according to the chipmaker deliver 50 percent improvement in battery life, translating to over nine hours in some systems, and also enable a range of 2-in-1 convertible devices that can act as both a tablet and a PC.

"We will continue to move full steam ahead into the tablet and 2-in-1 space. Touch it, type on it, or talk to it - these devices are multi-tasking powerhouses that will offer us new interaction possibilities," he said.

Observing that computer and Internet penetration is abysmally low in India, Aurora expected that with the extensive roll out of 4G, the scale of penetration in the country would go up considerably.

"I think in next two to three years, the computer and Internet penetration will reach a level of 30 and 50 percent, which is at present 10 percent and 5 percent respectively," he said.