HP Labs India has unveiled a new pen-based technology
that allows the Kannada script to be recorded and stored directly on the computer.
Unlike existing keyboards in the market that use bilingual keyboards, HP's
technology called “gesture-based keyboard” (GKB) allows users to input the
data with a pen.
Senior executives at HP Labs said that field trials of the
product had proved successful. “There is a strong co-relation between people
speaking English and PC-literacy. We believe that is that we need to break this
co-relation in India for the market to grow because of the language barrier,”
said Ajay Gupta, Director, HP Labs India. He said the product, developed at HP
Labs is one of the initiatives aimed at emerging BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and
China) economies. Besides Kannada, the company plans to introduce the keyboard
initially in two other languages - Hindi and Tamil.
The commercial launch of the keyboards is expected within a
month's time. The company is in discussions with PC vendors who would bundle
the keyboard along with PCs. The company is working with partners in Gujarat,
West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra to develop language
keyboard in those states.
The device is expected to be manufactured and distributed
by a third party, based on technology licensed from HP. Dick Lampman, senior
VP, Research and Director, HP Labs said that the gesture-based keyboard would
help in bridging the digital divide by simplifying the use of IT. HP expects
demand for the keyboards from the government sector.
CyberMedia News Bangalore, March 17