Intel's new chip that supports voice-enabled applications may roll out by 2014

Intel - the global chipmaker for our smartphones, tablets and PCs, has today shared its plans to develop a new chip that will have support for voice-enabled applications. And the good news is that it may roll out as early as next year. Some of the popular voice enabled application examples are Apple's Siri, Google Translate service and TV Guide's 40 million customers who have any qualms about speaking with a machine that understands the user's voice and responds to the requests. Voice enabled apps are fast taking pace, especially in developing countries because of high illiteracy rates. People who can't read and write, can simply talk to the apps and get their work done. These apps have huge market potential.

Speaking about the new chip's launch, Sandeep Aurora, Director, Marketing & Market Development (South Asia), Intel Technology India, said, "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." He further added, "I expect it may come out next year." There are quite a few voice-enabled interface solutions already available in the market, but most of them are not as robust as they should be.

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.


It is clearly evident that the penetration of computer and Internet usage is slowly but steadily growing in India. With 4G rolling out extensively and cheaper devices with enhanced functionality options becoming readily available at cheap prices, chances of that penetration increasing are better than ever before. "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.

We would love to know the views of fellow engineers on the launch of voice-enabled chips from Intel and what are people expecting from these chips. Please share your thoughts in replies below.