Firstouch smartphone translates English text to Indian languages

An Indian startup has built a new smartphone that can translate English text into local languages priced at Rs 6,000. Formed by three IITians, the Mumbai-based startup, has build the 4-inch smartphone dubbed Firstouch, according to a report by The Economic Times.

 

With the growing mobile and Internet penetration in India, the smartphone aims at breaking the language barrier. With most phones with English keypads, the device could be a relief for mobile users in rural areas. According to the report, Rakesh Deshmukh, Akash Dongre and Sudhir Bangarambandi have patented the virtual keyboard as well as the predictive text engine. It comes with a 48-key virtual keyboard.

Firstouch will reportedly be available this month in Rajkot, Gujarat. The initial batch is launched for Gujrat, and will be followed by other regions. The company plans to release phones supporting Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, and slowly expand to almost all Indian languages.

Formed in 2008, the startup called MoFirst Solutions has built the Firstouch. Other products developed by MoFirst include mobile trading platform for Motilal OswalSecurities in 2012, m-commerce and m-ticketing solutions and more.

Besides, the 4-inch display and ability to translate, there is no word on other specs of the device. However, given the price and target audience, one can expect entry-level specifications.