Google is all set to encourage creation of Android applications in Indian languages through a two-day hackathon and workshop it plans to host. The reason? The company says that the next 300 million people in India who are set to become internet users, won’t access the web in English. And apps which bring users to the internet need to speak in their language too.
That’s because more and more folks are taking to their mobile phones to access the web. Since Android is the most popular OS in India, it makes sense for Google to go beyond just attempting to bring 50 million women online. New mobile internet connections are expected to hit the 30 million mark in the second quarter of this year.
By ensuring people who speak various Indian languages can get online and even engage with their applications smoothly, Google will be able to make sure they’re comfortable with the OS and the way it functions with the help of third party software, the last mentioned referring to downloads from Play Store.
Not just that, the company knows it’s important to convince developers that supporting all kinds of tongues can make for profitable business too. The hackathon will also deal with the monetary aspects of app building, offering pointers to developers on how to earn money from their creations.
So attendees will be on the receiving end of a mix of technical and business advice on Android apps especially for speakers of various Indian languages. The event will be held in Bangalore on February 21 and 22.