A personal challenge faced by a Bengaluru-based father has evolved into a technology solution benefiting users across India. Independent developer Krishna Permi created a keyboard application for iPhone after struggling to help his son complete Kannada homework digitally. What began as a simple attempt to make typing in a regional language easier has now become a free tool supporting 21 Indian languages.
The idea emerged when Permi realized that existing keyboard solutions often lacked accuracy, convenience, or privacy features for Indian-language users. Motivated by the need for a better alternative, he began developing a keyboard app that would enable seamless typing in multiple Indian languages while maintaining complete user privacy.
The resulting application operates entirely on the device, requires no internet connection, and does not collect or transmit any user data. Unlike many modern keyboard applications that depend on cloud-based processing, the app performs all language-related functions locally on the user’s iPhone. This approach not only improves privacy but also ensures functionality even when internet access is unavailable.
The keyboard currently supports 21 Indian languages, allowing users to type in their preferred language without switching between multiple applications or relying on online services. The project reflects a growing demand for digital tools that cater to India’s linguistic diversity while prioritizing data security and user control.
According to Permi, the inspiration behind the project came directly from his son’s schoolwork. While helping him with Kannada assignments, he recognized the difficulties involved in typing regional languages efficiently on smartphones. The experience highlighted a gap in available technology and encouraged him to build a practical solution.
What started as a personal family requirement gradually expanded into a larger mission to make Indian-language typing more accessible and user-friendly. Over time, the project evolved from a tool intended for a single purpose into a comprehensive multilingual keyboard designed for a broad user base.
The app’s privacy-focused architecture distinguishes it from many digital services that rely on collecting user information to improve performance. By keeping all processing on-device, the application minimizes privacy concerns while delivering a secure typing experience.
The development demonstrates how everyday challenges can inspire meaningful technological innovations. By addressing a problem encountered at home, Permi created a solution that supports millions of potential users who communicate in Indian languages and seek privacy-conscious digital tools.
The project also highlights the role of independent developers in creating localized technology solutions that address specific user needs, particularly in a country as linguistically diverse as India.
