Google India on semi-urban market research in TN

CHENNAI: Google India, in a bid to convert the high volume of Tamil content on the internet into actual usage within the state, flagged off an 'internet bus' on Tuesday. The mobile internet kiosk will tour 15 tier II and tier III towns in Tamil Nadu over a period of a month and a half, demonstrating content and usage of the internet to the other side of the digital divide. At the same time, it will collect feedback on the relevance and usability of available content to non-urban users.


Google R&D India head Prasad Ram said, "!9% of the internet content available in India, is in the Tamil language, which is the same as the percentage of Hindi content available. Considering, TN covers a smaller area than the Hindi speaking states in the country and has the propensity and literacy levels required for internet usage, it is an apt focus group for us,".

The bus will demonstrate content under four topics ��� information, communication, entertainment and education. It will also introduce its visitors to Google SMS search and channels.

"Much of Tamil content is actually created and consumed by the Tamil Diaspora; but that can be simplified and made relevant for the local population," said Google India product manager Prem Ramaswami. The company plans to customise some of its major products in Tamil, and demonstrate the ones already available in Tamil during its tour.

"We are also looking at licensing useful information like bus routes and ticket availability; as well as including more of Tamil media content like newspapers in our archives and search," Mr.Ram said.