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TPL Maps and School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (SEECS) at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) have inked an agreement to launch speech-based navigation software.
The software will create routes via voice commands and will focus on local navigation. With the option of offering commands in both English and Urdu dialects, this navigation app will be first of its kind in Pakistan. The dialects are suited for Pakistani language speaking styles.
TPL Maps, a product of TPL Trakker Ltd., is Pakistan-based Google Maps competitor and the only dominant force in local navigation market. The digital mapping solutions offer intelligent routing, live traffic information and smart search. The application allows users to input their specific destinations via an on-screen keyboard. The app then calculates the route and transit time.
The speech-based navigation system will be a game changer in maps application, considering the spelling or typing errors users can make. This software will be deployed as a value-added service to the existing TPL Maps application.
Adeel Hashmi, Head of TPL Maps, said, “Consistent innovation is integral to our philosophy of providing customers the best possible mapping solutions. Such additions to our existing products allow us to establish ourselves as a high-end technology company looking to offer convenience and ease of use to the end users.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Principal SEECS said, “We are delighted to be part of the innovation in Maps in Pakistan. This collaboration with TPL has given our students and faculty the opportunity to experiment and explore a domain that has never been touched upon in Pakistan. Machine learning and AI are the future of technology and we believe this is the first partnership between the two organizations which will result in fantastic tech development in the country”.
The maiden voice-based feature in both English and Urdu accents will bring revolution in Pakistan’s navigation market. TPL has also recently signed an agreement with Travly, an Uber and Careem like local startup providing transportation service, to be its official navigator. This is a positive step in Pakistani maps ecosystem showing that local startups are now willing to embrace homegrown technology.
