Google launches Bolo to tutor children to read Hindi and English

Tech giant Google has unveiled a new app ‘Bolo’ that aims to help children in primary school learn to read in Hindi and English.

Bolo App

• It is free to use app and can be accessed through the Google Play Store.
• The app uses Google’s speech recognition and text-to-speech technology.
• Through an animated character Diya, the app encourages children to read stories aloud.
• The app also helps if the child is unable to pronounce a word.
• It lauds the reader when he/she completes the reading.
• The app also works offline. Once downloaded the user will have access to 100 stories in Hindi and English that the children can read out loud and improve their reading skills.

Google has already piloted the Bolo App in about 200 villages in Uttar Pradesh. Google cites the early results as encouraging with 64 per cent of children showing an improvement in reading proficiency in just three months. Google is now planning to collaborate with non-profit groups to enhance the reach of the app.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2019