HOOQ deploys AI and Machine-Learning to localize content

OTT service provider HOOQ has announced that it will localise its entire content library using machine learning and automated “smart dub” technology. The firm plans to localise English-language content for Indian audiences in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu by the end of 2019, to improve accessibility of content for the diverse Indian market.   

To amplify its efforts to deliver the best of international entertainment in India, HOOQ plans on becoming the first and only OTT-video service with all English-language content on the service available with both subtitles and audio dubbing in multiple Indian languages catered to the diverse Indian market.

Speaking about the announcement, Zulfiqar Khan, Managing Director, HOOQ India, said, “We want to ensure that consumers across India are able to watch everything from international blockbuster movies to their favourite English-language series’ to amazing HOOQ Originals in a language that they know, understand and are comfortable with. Some people may have never even seen international content in their local language. We want to change that and become the service that expands the reach of international content into India like never before.”

HOOQ, will begin to process content using proprietary technology that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to create “smart dubs” from scratch. HOOQ will focus on updating content in three languages, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu to start with, with more to be announced later in the year.

HOOQ recently announced the winner of the inaugural HOOQ Filmmakers Guild initiative and a first-of-a-kind HOOQ Original Series, BHAK, which was filmed in India, and launches on HOOQ for all to enjoy from tomorrow.

As well as providing Indian consumers with more international and regional content in more languages, HOOQ is also focussing on bringing more HOOQ Originals to the platform and offer more variety of content than ever before.

In addition to international and Hollywood blockbusters, HOOQ users can watch their favourite TV series’ with same-day telecasts as the United States, as a result of its strong partnerships with studios, production houses and content distributors.