Affordable computing devices and AI learning platforms expanding digital access in India

The push for affordable computing devices in India is gaining momentum as digital education, enterprise mobility, and e-governance initiatives expand across urban and rural markets. Milind Shah, CEO of Wishtel, highlighted how locally designed devices and AI-enabled learning platforms are enabling wider technology adoption across education and enterprise segments.

Wishtel’s strategy focuses on building accessible computing devices for mid and low pyramid segments, where affordability and usability are critical to expanding digital participation.

“We see a great opportunity for an Indian brand to build computing solutions for the masses, especially where affordability plays an important role,” Shah said.

Make in India computing devices supporting local design and integration

Wishtel began its journey with the objective of building computing solutions tailored for Indian users, particularly in education and government-led digital initiatives. “We started our journey with the vision to build computing for India and create solutions that can impact large user segments,” Shah explained.

While the component ecosystem still depends on global supply chains, the company focuses on design, engineering, and integration processes within India. “Components are sourced from global ecosystems, but design optimisation, PCB level integration and supply chain management are handled locally,” he said.

This approach allows customisation of devices for specialised requirements such as education content integration, biometric sensors, NFC capabilities, and sector-specific applications.

Tablet and two-in-one devices driving affordable computing adoption

According to Shah, the form factor shift from desktops to laptops and now towards tablets and two-in-one devices is expanding the reach of computing.

“There is a visible shift from laptop to notebook and now towards tablet and two-in-one form factors which offer mobility and affordability,” he noted. Post-pandemic digital adoption has accelerated the need for personal computing devices across students, professionals, and the field workforce.

“The acceptance of digital computing has increased significantly after COVID, and more users now prefer personal devices for communication and productivity,” Shah said.

Lower device costs compared to traditional laptops are also improving accessibility across rural and semi-urban markets. “A computing device in tablet form factor can cost significantly less compared to traditional laptops, improving adoption,” he added.

AI learning platforms enabling regional language accessibility

AI-enabled voice interaction is becoming an important factor in improving usability, especially for first-time users and students from regional language backgrounds.“We have implemented voice-based computing frameworks where users can interact with devices in their own language,” Shah said.

Wishtel’s education-focused AI platform is designed to support multilingual learning environments and improve accessibility. “The platform supports multiple Indian languages so students can interact with devices conversationally and access applications more easily,” he explained.

The company also provides an alternative platform focused on voice-enabled computing experiences designed to expand adoption among new users.

Rugged device design supporting digital classroom adoption

Education use cases require durable devices that can sustain long-term usage in classroom environments. “We have designed rugged devices with stronger form factors suitable for classroom usage and long-term deployment,” Shah noted.

These devices are built to support evolving technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality, enabling new learning experiences across digital classrooms.

“We provide devices capable of integrating technologies such as AI, augmented reality and virtual reality for education use cases,” he said. The focus remains on balancing affordability with usability to ensure sustained adoption rather than one-time deployment.

Channel partner ecosystem: Creating opportunities for system integrators

The company works with distributors and channel partners to expand device availability across enterprise and public sector projects. “We operate through national distributors and channel partners, offering margins that allow partners to build sustainable practices,” Shah said.

Projects involving specialised integrations such as sensors, payment devices, and enterprise mobility solutions provide additional opportunities for system integrators.

“Some projects require specialised integrations which create additional opportunities for partners to participate in deployments,” he explained.

Future outlook: Growing demand for affordable AI-enabled computing devices

Increasing digital adoption across education, enterprise mobility, and public sector initiatives is expected to expand the demand for cost-effective computing solutions. “The opportunity for made-in-India computing devices is growing as digital adoption increases across sectors,” Shah observed.

The company aims to expand its presence in the tablet segment while continuing to compete alongside global brands. “We are seeing positive growth momentum and aim to increase our market presence gradually,” he said.

Read More:

LED display manufacturing in India: LEDX founder on global supply chain shift & innovation

AI redefining distribution strategy toward platform-led partner ecosystem

AI BPM platform strategy: 1Point1 solutions expands Global CX Delivery with multi-shore model

Redefining the cybersecurity partnerships - Palo Alto Networks vs. Zscaler vs. Cloudflare