Although, Google’s android oreo Go OS and Files Go! storage app were the headliners at its India event, the company also had 2 more surprises in tow: a two-wheeler mode for Maps and a bi-lingual version of its Assistant for Indian feature phone JioPhone.
India overtook China to become the world’s leading bike and scooter market last year. With millions of two-wheelers in the country, it’s no wonder Google is making a dedicated update of the bikes. The new two-wheeler mode will scout shortcuts that are not accessible for trucks, and cars, and provide customized traffic and arrival time estimates. Google claims it’s an “India-first” feature, so chances are it’ll spread to other regions too.
The Google Assistant for the JioPhone, built for India in both English and Hindi—is launching today. #GoogleForIndia pic.twitter.com/Rml3P1fR8C
— Google India (@GoogleIndia) December 5, 2017
While the Assistant will pre-install on Android Oreo Go budget smartphones, the digital helper is also heading to a feature phone. A Hindi and English language variant of Assistant is coming to the $25, 4G-enabled JioPhone. aside from slight tweaks to its interface, Assistant will retain all its voice-based functions, despite being downgraded to a bargain-basement phone. Though, it’ll have to tussle with JioPhone’s existing Assistant (HelloJio) while there.