India’s Sarvam unveils Indus AI chat app amid intensified competition.
Image Credits:Jagmeet Singh / TechCrunch
Sarvam Launches Indus Chat App, Targeting Local AI Market
In an exciting development for the Indian tech landscape, Sarvam, an innovative AI startup, has officially launched its Indus chat app. This app caters to both web and mobile users, making its entry into a rapidly evolving market that is predominantly ruled by international giants such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
India: A Hub for Generative AI Adoption
Sarvam’s app launch hits at a time when India is recognized as a pivotal arena for adopting generative AI technologies. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, recently revealed that ChatGPT has attracted over 100 million weekly active users in India. Similarly, Anthropic reported that the Indian market contributes 5.8% to the total usage of its platform, Claude, placing it second only to the United States.
Introduced Alongside Cutting-Edge Technology
The Indus app serves as the user interface for Sarvam’s recently unveiled Sarvam 105B model. This large language model boasts an impressive 105 billion parameters, showcasing Sarvam’s ambition to develop sophisticated AI tailored for Indian users. The app’s debut follows closely after the company’s presentation of the 105B and 30B models at the India AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi. During the summit, Sarvam also discussed various enterprise initiatives and hardware plans, announcing partnerships with firms such as HMD, which focuses on integrating AI into Nokia feature phones, and Bosch, which is developing AI capabilities for automotive applications.
Features of the Indus App
Currently in beta, the Indus app is accessible on iOS, Android, and web platforms. It allows users to engage by either typing or speaking their queries, with responses available in both text and audio formats. Users can easily sign in using their phone number, Apple ID, or Google/Microsoft accounts. However, at this stage, the app’s availability appears to be limited to users within India.
Current Limitations
Although the Indus app marks a significant advancement in local AI access, it does have a few limitations. Users are unable to delete their chat history without entirely deleting their accounts. Additionally, there is no option available to disable the app’s reasoning feature, which may result in slower response times in some cases. Sarvam has cautioned users that access to the app might be restricted initially as they work on enhancing their computational capacity.
According to Sarvam’s co-founder, Pratyush Kumar, “We’re gradually rolling out Indus on a limited compute capacity, so you may hit a waitlist at first. We will expand access over time.” This gradual rollout approach indicates Sarvam’s strategy to refine the user experience while collecting valuable feedback from early adopters.
Investment Backing and Future Prospects
Founded in 2023, Sarvam has successfully raised $41 million in funding from prominent investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, Peak XV Partners, and Khosla Ventures. This financial backing positions Sarvam well as it concentrates on building large language models specifically designed for the Indian market.
Competitive Landscape
Sarvam represents a small but growing contingent of Indian startups striving to develop home-grown alternatives to established global players in the AI arena. As India moves toward gaining greater control over its AI infrastructure, startups like Sarvam are critical in bridging the gap between advanced technology and local user needs.
Conclusion
As Sarvam rolls out its Indus app, it is not just entering a competitive marketplace; it is making a strategic move to offer tailored AI solutions that resonate with Indian users. With the growing adoption of AI technologies in the country, the Indus app may play a crucial role in shaping the future of generative AI in India.
In summary, Sarvam’s Indus chat app is a significant development that reflects India’s burgeoning interest and investment in AI technologies. With its focus on local languages and user experience, it sets a precedent for future innovations while competing with established global AI platforms. As the startup gathers user feedback and expands its capabilities, the next steps for Sarvam could further enhance the landscape of Indian AI.
Next Steps for Users and Stakeholders
For users interested in trying out the Indus app, it’s essential to stay updated on its rollout process through Sarvam’s official channels. As the company expands its service capacity, potential users might want to join the waitlist to be amongst the first to experience a home-grown AI chat solution tailored for their needs.
Final Thoughts on AI Expansion in India
The launch of Sarvam’s Indus chat app not only signifies a step forward for the company but also highlights India’s growing significance in the global AI landscape. By focusing on local languages and addressing localized needs, Sarvam is positioning itself as a trailblazer in the country’s AI journey, setting the stage for future advancements and possibilities.
The emergence of startups like Sarvam presents a hopeful narrative for the future of AI in India, aiming to democratize access to advanced technologies while fostering a spirit of innovation and independence in this critical field. As the innovation landscape continues to evolve, Sarvam’s efforts may inspire other enterprises to explore similar paths, further enriching India’s technological ecosystem.
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