Mihup Communication Pvt Ltd, a Calcutta-based start-up working on vernacular voice interface platforms, has partnered Harman International to enable voice-controlled conversation conversion in Tata Motors cars. The partnership is aimed to enhance user experience in Tata Motors vehicles for users using native language.

Tatas’ earlier in-vehicle voice assistant had a limited dictionary and no vernacular language or Indian dialect support. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) wanted an embedded solution to make the experience handsfree for drivers.

Mihup supports a mix of Hindi and English. The system responds based on user voice command without the need for a manual switch. AVA will also support Tamil and Bengali soon, with a plan to cover all major Indian languages by 2022.

Voice adoption across vehicular platforms is on the rise and it is estimated that 8 billion voice assistants will be in use by 2023. About 95 per cent of customers are expected to use in-built voice assistants in their vehicles by 2022.

Tapan Barman, Co-founder and CEO, Mihup, said, “We will focus on providing the best service to customers with cutting edge innovation.”

Kia name

South Korean auto maker Kia on Monday said it has officially changed its name in the country to Kia India from Kia Motors. The brand has removed “Motors” from its earlier name after ratification by the corporate affairs ministry and will now function under the corporate identity of Kia India Pvt Ltd, the auto maker said in a statement.