Have you ever felt constrained by the need to constantly communicate in English, be it official documents, personal emails or just instant messaging? Well, then LooKeys is what you are looking for.

The software, developed by Israel-based FTK Technologies, lets you type in ten Indian languages —Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi and Urdu. The software uses a virtual keyboard that maps over your computer keyboard to be used like a regular keyboard or on screen with the help of a mouse.

The software comes in two variants. The advanced version, LooKeys Pro, uses a special webcam that determines what you are typing, representing essentially another method of input. LooKeys is compatible with MS Word and web browsers like Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. It can even be used with instant messengers like MSN Messenger and Gtalk.
As the LooKeys window opens, you can type a document in the language of your choice. The document can then be saved either as a Word document or copied and sent as an email.

To further the use of its vernacular options, the LooKeys window also has links to various dictionary sites and sites that provide vocal translations for those of us who may be unsure of pronunciation. Here you can also find links to Facebook, YouTube, AOL Mail, Gmail, Google, Orkut and Myspace. In short, your can modify you entire Internet experience to the language or your choice.

LooKeys, however, may take some getting used to. It is like learning to type all over again. But its comprehensive coverage of the languages it supports means you’ll also end up brushing up your grammar and spellings.

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