PhonePe launches AI-powered search built using Microsoft Foundry

Fintech firm PhonePe has launched an AI-powered natural language search feature built using Microsoft Foundry.

The feature will be rolled out in phases to users across India. It will help the platform’s users to initiate and complete in-app tasks through natural language text or voice commands.

The feature uses capabilities enabled by Microsoft Foundry and will replace traditional navigation with intent-based routing, guiding users to their intended destination.

For instance, a payment request such as "Pay Hemanth 20 rupees" will automatically launch the payment interface with the recipient pre-selected or display alll relevant contacts, the company said in a statement. Similarly, commands like "Recharge FASTag" or "gold price" will take the user to the appropriate page or surface with the most relevant information or transactional options, the statement added.

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Beyond simple transactions, the feature can interpret whether a user is trying to make a payment, complete a purchase, or reach support.

All of these features are achieved via a hybrid model that will combine local on-device and cloud inferencing, while keeping all processing secure and ensuring privacy, the statement said.

"For years, payment apps have been built as utilitarian tools, optimised for transactions and not people. This launch is the first step towards changing that. Our vision is to make payments accessible to every Indian, and AI enables us to build an intelligent interface that anticipates what users need before they even go looking for it," said Rahul Chari, Founder, Whole-time Director & CTO, PhonePe.

"Through our collaboration with Microsoft, we aim to simplify payments further by understanding intent, not just inputs. And we believe intelligence at the edge is the future and the most thoughtful way to deliver real value without compromising on privacy or security," he added.