GURUGRAM: MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel company, today shared observations from Myra, its Gen-AI powered Trip Planning Assistant, pointing to an emerging behavioural trend in how Indian travellers are beginning to interact via voice. While Myra’s user base is still growing and now delivers more than 50,000 conversations daily, the initial data suggests that voice is beginning to enable a more expressive, contextual, and linguistically inclusive form of travel discovery, one that is different from how users search via text.

How Voice and Text Queries Are Beginning to Diverge

Even in early usage patterns, the contrast between how users type and speak their travel intent is visible. The majority of text searches are in the neighbourhood of 3-4 words, compressed and keyword-driven, such as “Goa hotels cheap” or “Delhi Mumbai flight.” Voice queries are beginning to look considerably different. Nearly 23% of voice queries exceed 11 words, compared to just 7% in text, as users tend to naturally articulate destination proximity, amenities, budget, group size, and dates within a single spoken interaction. For instance, “Show me affordable hotels in North Goa near the beach with a pool” or “2 adults and one kid, 3 nights from 14th January, budget under ₹15,000 per night.”,

Across several query categories, early data points to voice being used noticeably higher than text. Date-specific queries show the most pronounced difference, at 3.3x higher on voice, with users naturally saying “26th December to 29th” or “next Friday to Sunday” rather than typing compressed date formats.

Informational queries, where users are looking for guidance or explanation around certain processes or services, are indexing 2.7x higher on voice, suggesting that users are beginning to turn to conversational assistance for questions beyond transactional search. Examples include, in Hindi, “सऊदी का वीज़ा कैसे मिलेगा?” (How to get a Saudi visa); in Kannada, “ಜಪಾನ್‌ಗೆ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗುವ ಮೊದಲು ಯಾವ ದಾಖಲೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸಬೇಕು?” (What documents should be prepared before going on a Japan trip?); in Marathi, “कोल्हापूर ते दिल्ली जाण्यासाठी कोणती ट्रेन आहे व किती दिवस लागतात आणि ती कोणकोणत्या वारी असते?” (Which train is available to travel from Kolhapur to Delhi, how many days does it take, and on what days of the week does it run?); in Malayalam, എനിക്ക് ആനയിൽ നിന്ന് കൊച്ചിയിലേക്കുള്ള തത്കാല ടിക്കറ്റ് തിങ്കളാഴ്ച ഉള്ള ടിക്കറ്റ് ആണ് വേണ്ടത്. അതിന് വേണ്ടി ഞാൻ എന്താണ് ചെയ്യേണ്ടത് (I need Tatkal ticket from Anai to Kochi for Monday. What should I do for that?); and in Tamil, “வீல் சேர் எப்படி புக் பண்ணனும்னு சொல்லு?” (Tell me how to book a wheelchair?).

Location-specific queries account for 25.1% of all voice searches and index 1.5x higher on voice than text, with users naturally expressing proximity in phrases such as “near beach,” “walking distance from Golden Temple etc. Similar patterns are visible across languages. For instance, in

Bengali, “হ্যালো মাইরা এটা এই হোটেলটা গুয়াহাটি রেল স্টেশন থেকে কতদূর” (How far is this hotel from Guwahati railway station); and in Telugu, “గోవా బాగా దగ్గరలో తక్కువ రేట్లు మంచి రూమ్స్ కావాలి” (Need good rooms at low rates very close to Goa).

Voice Is Opening Up Travel Search Across India

One of the more telling early signals in the data is how voice is beginning to enable users to search in the language they naturally think and speak. While English dominates text searches, voice interactions are considerably more linguistically diverse, with English representing far lower % of voice queries. The gap points to something simple: users who are most comfortable in their own language are gravitating towards voice. For example, for Malayalam, voice trumps text by 46 to 1; for Tamil, this ratio is 36:1, and for Telugu, 32:1.

For users who found typing a barrier, the shift is less about technology and more about expression. Voice lets them describe exactly what they want, in their own words, without compression. Code-mixed users, who blend Hindi and English, are among the most expressive in early observations, averaging 10.5 words per query. A search like “Manali mein 3 nights ke liye hotel chahiye with mountain view and breakfast” captures nuance and preference in a single breath, something that text search has rarely accommodated.

“What we are beginning to see through Myra is encouraging. Voice is starting to give a new set of users, those who are most comfortable in their own language, a more natural way to search and plan travel. For someone in Kochi or Coimbatore who thinks in Malayalam or Tamil, being able to simply speak their requirements, rather than type them in English, changes the experience meaningfully. It is still early, but these initial signals point to voice having the potential to make travel planning more inclusive and accessible across India,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.

Premium Travellers and Multi-Constraint Queries

Early data also points to premium and elite traveller segments using much longer sentences while using voice on Myra, often combining star category, amenities, group size, and budget into a single spoken request. For example: “5-star villa in North Goa with private pool, 6 bedrooms, for 8 adults under ₹50K per night.” While these highly layered, multi-constraint queries represent a smaller share of total searches, they offer an early indication of how voice may be better suited to capturing complex travel intent than keyword-based text search.

MakeMyTrip has been deeply invested in AI and machine learning for several years, embedding intelligence across the travel lifecycle.  From inspiration and discovery to search, booking, and post-sales support, AI is integrated at every stage. These proprietary models, built on large language architectures and rich travel-intent data, power Myra. The AI Trip planning Assistant now facilitates over 50,000 conversations daily across multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. More than 45% of queries on Myra are coming from Tier-2 and smaller cities.

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The centre is for all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences, and provides screening assessments in the early years to pick up delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic evaluation. Regular developmental check-ups help identify whether a child is on track or needs extra support. Children art artwork is displayed in the form of an activity sheet in sequence, creating a visual record of progress made by kids in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, giving clinicians and parents a simple way to follow the child’s journey. The Center also supports first-time parents in their parenting journey, helping them understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.

The Child Development Department, “Roots to Wings”, is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist *Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala. The core medical team includes **Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, **Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, *Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade, and Speech Therapist Ms Mrunmayi Londe, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

The centre offers developmental and behavioural assessments; physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language therapies; psychological counselling and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed at regular intervals. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities help red flags be recognised early and children referred without delay. As part of this initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to recognise early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom, with some sessions held alongside group therapies to link classroom and clinical care.

Speaking about the vision behind Roots to Wings, Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala said, “Parents often tell us they felt something was ‘not quite right’ but did not know where to go or whom to ask. We want families to find accurate guidance, timely intervention, and a place where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.”

The team at Roots to Wings believes that developmental health is as important as physical health. They emphasise that neurodevelopmental differences – such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns – are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness”, and that many children do better when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding. They encourage every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development centre if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even when the signs are subtle, or everything seems normal, the reassurance and clarity can be a lifelong gift. The mission behind Roots to Wings is to support a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, so no one has to look back and wonder if a simple early visit could have given their child an easier, brighter start.

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PUNE: Kuhl Fans, from the house of the country’s largest RO purifiers brand, have introduced the newest range of Kühl Smart and Stylish Fans in Pune. These fans, built using BLDC technology, are not only elegant and stylish but also energy-efficient, offering up to 65% savings on power consumption.

By expanding its portfolio, Kuhl now offers an extended array of energy-efficient fan models. The launch in Pune signifies increased availability of the new range at new retail points, ensuring broader accessibility for Kühl fans. With this strategic expansion, Kuhl aims to solidify its standing as a premier provider of energy-efficient and innovative ceiling fan solutions in the market.

Kühl introduced an innovative Next-Gen Desert Cooler fan based on BLDC technology called Kuhl Exzel. This floor-standing desert cooler cum fan disperses ultrasonic water mist into the air, effectively reducing room temperature by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, the Exzel Desert Cooler Fan operates with almost no noise, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep. With its oscillation feature and a 12-hour-lasting internal water tank, it serves as an ideal replacement for the loud and bulky traditional desert coolers in your home. The introductory price is only INR 8990.

Kuhl Fans also launched yet another innovative device called the Kuhl Voice Controller – a first-of-its-kind voice-based controller for fans. The simple device plugs into an electrical socket and allows users to effortlessly control Kuhl fans with their voice. Not only can users switch the fan on/off, but they can also perform complex operations like speed control and controlling the downlight using their voice. Most importantly, the device does not require an internet connection to work. This plug-and-play device not only controls Kuhl fans but can also operate any brand of AC or TV in your bedroom. The Kuhl Voice Controller now enables you to operate all the appliances in your bedroom from the comfort of your bed. There’s no need to look for the remote or get up from your bed on a cozy night. This innovative device comes free of charge with premium Kuhl fans and can be purchased separately for only INR 1999.

Kühl has also launched the Kuhl Inspira series, India’s first 100% Made in India BLDC Wall and Pedestal range of fans. These innovative wall and pedestal fans offer 65% power savings and operate with low noise. The Kuhl Inspira series TPW range features 5-blade fans with dual control options – touchscreen and via remote. One notable feature of these fans is the electronic swing control, a much-needed function that allows users to easily switch on/off the swing or oscillation function with a simple touch of a button. The introductory price for Kuhl Inspira fans starts at an excitingly low price of only INR 3999.

Additionally, the Kuhl Galaxis series has been introduced, catering to larger spaces with ceiling fans available in diameters ranging from 55 inches to 68 inches. These fans operate at a nearly silent 100 RPM while delivering an industry-leading air delivery of 280 CMM. Equipped with smart technology, they are IoT-enabled, allowing convenient operation through mobile phones or Amazon Alexa/Google Home devices. Furthermore, these innovative fans come with a built-in downlight offering a variety of colors. The premium Kuhl Galaxis range starts at INR 13,990.

For cost-conscious customers seeking stylish fans, the company has introduced its latest Kuhl Arctis series of ceiling fans. These sleek and slim fans feature a compact motor and come in various colors. The Kuhl Arctis series range starts from only INR 2699.

Kühl BLDC fans boast a range of stylish and innovative features that make them highly desirable. They are WiFi and IoT-enabled, allowing remote control through a smartphone, Alexa, or voice commands. Additionally, they come with a reverse function that effectively circulates warm air around the room, making them a practical choice for all seasons. Moreover, the Kühl fans are designed to deliver more airflow while producing minimal noise, making them a perfect fit for modern architectural and interior projects in both residential and commercial settings. With these unique features, Kühl fans offer an efficient way to reduce energy consumption while enhancing the aesthetics and comfort of any space.

Addressing a media conference, Varun Gupta, Joint Managing Director of Kent RO Systems Limited, said, “We are proud to launch the latest range of Kühl Stylish Fans in Pune, aligning with our brand philosophy focusing on energy, environment, and technology. With the rising temperature and the need to conserve energy, we believe that these fans will be in high demand in the region. Notably, a typical induction fan consumes around 80 watts of power, whereas a Kühl BLDC fan consumes only 28 watts of power at full speed. This means that Kühl BLDC fans can achieve energy savings of up to 65 percent.”

Gupta further added, “Kuhl, which entered the Indian ceiling fan market last year with a premium range of smart and stylish fans, has made significant strides in its first year of operations. The brand boasts the largest selection of high-end premium fans in India and is now prepared to dominate the mass premium category in the country. Encouraged by the positive response to its initial offerings, the brand is aggressively expanding its product portfolio and venturing into new territories. This exciting move includes Pune, a key market for ceiling fans, marking Kuhl’s commitment to becoming a nationwide leader in the industry.“

“We are continuously investing in R&D to bring the best range of products to our customers. In a short span of 1 year, we have been able to make significant strides and demonstrate to our customers that our world-class engineers and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility are creating the most desirable and elegant range of fans for Indian consumers. All Kühl fans have a 5-star rating from BEE and are BIS certified,” said Gupta.

Kühl fans are also 100% made in India, designed by Kuhl’s R&D team, and offer a longer service life compared to typical induction motors. As part of its forward-looking approach, Kuhl envisions taking its fans into the international markets also, making a significant contribution to the idea of ‘Make in India, Make for World’.

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This will be the fifth challenge the FTC has sponsored under the America Competes Act, which allows agencies to create challenges to promote technology development and innovation. Other challenges spurred the creation of new tools to reduce illegal robocalls and address security vulnerabilities related to Internet of Things devices.

The Voice Cloning Challenge will accept submissions starting on January 2, 2024. The challenge aims to find the best approach to protect people from the harms caused by the misuse of AI-enabled voice cloning, including prevention or authentication, detection and monitoring, and evaluation resources, systems, or tools that help consumers or businesses check if audio clips contain cloned voices.

The FTC is encouraging participants to consider potential solutions at various intervention points, including limiting the use of voice cloning software to authorized users, alerting consumers if their voice has been cloned without their knowledge, and evaluating resources that help consumers or businesses check if audio clips contain cloned voices.

In conclusion, the FTC’s Voice Cloning Challenge aims to promote technology development and innovation to prevent the misuse of AI-enabled voice cloning technology, which presents serious consumer protection concerns. The challenge will accept submissions starting on January 2, 2024, and the top prize is $25,000. The FTC is encouraging participants to consider potential solutions at various intervention points to protect people from the harms caused by the misuse of AI-enabled voice cloning.

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Through the partnership, Samsung aims to make the experience of getting sports updates quicker and easier for fans across India. Users can simply ask Bixby “What’s the score?”, “Show the World Cup points table”, or “Show me upcoming matches” to get an instant response with relevant information. These features are available to existing Bixby users who do not need to install or download anything additionally.

Cricket is more than just a sport in India, and with major cricket tournaments either ongoing at the moment or lined up shortly, Samsung believes that Bixby Cricket would be an interesting value addition to cricket lovers’ passion for the game. This would enable them to stay updated with the latest scores of the ongoing tournament by just asking Bixby.

Bixby has evolved from an intelligent voice assistant for users to an open, scalable AI platform that is available anywhere, anytime across Samsung devices, wearables, and digital appliances. The user experience was made more meaningful and contextual for Indian consumers by the introduction of Indian English as part of the Bixby 2.0 update in May 2021. This has supported Bixby users in India with several information pieces such as Indian names, places, relationships, content, and recipes amongst others. These feature upgrades are meant to provide the users with a more personalized experience along with quick updates.

Balaji Hariharan, Senior Director and Head of Product Management, at Samsung Research Institute, Bangalore, said, “Cricket is more than just a sport in India. With major cricket tournaments either in progress or lined up soon, Samsung believes that Bixby Cricket would be a great solution for cricket lovers to stay updated with the latest scores and tournaments just through their voices. Users can get updates even while driving, working, cooking, or doing any other activity that requires their attention. Another goal of Samsung India is to continuously nurture the Indian start-up ecosystem, and this launch helps in that as well.“

Ajay Pratap Singh, Chief Executive Officer, of Sportskeeda, said, “We are excited to join forces with Samsung Bixby to bring unparalleled sports coverage to Samsung users across India. This integration showcases our commitment to delivering accurate and prompt sports information to fans, right at their fingertips. Whether it is cricket matches from international arenas or local league showdowns, Bixby users can now revel in the excitement, through voice commands like never before.“

Samsung’s Bixby Cricket is a great addition for cricket fans in India, providing them with instant updates about the score, points table, and routine of upcoming matches in the Cricket World Cup and other tournaments. The feature is powered by Sportskeeda, a global sports content platform, and is available to existing Bixby users who do not need to install or download anything additionally.

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Seerat Kapoor took to her social media to share this delightful news with her fans, marking the occasion with a special Diwali gift for all her loved ones. She posted a picture of herself from the dubbing studio, giving a sneak peek into her new venture. Alongside the photo, she shared the news with her loved ones and followers, captioning it with heartfelt words.

The revelation has sparked curiosity among her fans as they eagerly await the release of the film featuring Seerat Kapoor in a prominent role. The rom-com movie is going to be released in Telugu, where Seerat will be seen sharing screen space with her debut movie co-star Sharwanand after 8 long years.

Seerat Kapoor, who has already won hearts with her acting prowess, has now taken a step further by showcasing her talent as a dubbing artist. This new chapter in her career adds another feather to her cap, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the dynamic world of Indian cinema.

Apart from her upcoming Telugu movie, Seerat Kapoor has also made her big Bollywood debut alongside Tusshar Kapoor with Maarrich under Tusshar Entertainment Production. She will also be seen as a leading lady in Dil Raju’s Aakasam Dati Vasthava film and Mahi V Raghav’s Save The Tigers 2 web series. The actress made her debut as a singer along with the melodious Ishaan Khan in a music video for Jackky Bhagnani’s Jjust Music Label called AAO NA.

In conclusion, Seerat Kapoor’s multifaceted talents, not only as an actress but also as a dubbing artist, are eagerly awaited by her fans. Her new venture as a dubbing artist in Telugu cinema is a testament to her versatility and talent.

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