Users complain as Patanjali puts 'Kimbho' chat app on trial
New Delhi, Aug 16 : A day after Patanjali announced a refurbished "Kimbho" chat app, users who downloaded the app reported several issues, including problems in setting up profile pictures and complained about poor user interface (UI).
Downloaded over 5,000 times since it re-appeared on Google Play Store on Wednesday ahead of its official launch on August 27, first-time users reported problems while using the app.
"Is this a joke? Worst UI ever, never seen something bad than this ….. (sic)," wrote one user.
"When I'm registering, it says 'try later'. What's this? Rubbish!," wrote another.
After downloading the app, it asks for eight levels of permissions, including users consent to access photos, media and files; camera; contacts; calendar and events; make and manage phone calls; microphone; and send and record and send a view SMS messages.
The privacy policy of the app's trial version states that the company will not sell or share personal information of users (such as the mobile phone number) with other third party companies for their commercial or marketing use.
However, it also added that it may share your personal information with third party service providers "to the extent that it is reasonable necessary to perform, improve, or maintain Kimbhoh Service".
The "swadeshi" app -- now with "end-to-end encryption" -- was hastily taken down in May due to the poor security and performance.
Kimbho -- a Sanskrit word for "How are you?" or "What's new?" - is now equipped with "new and advanced features", Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna said in a tweet this week, adding that the company was working towards sorting out the apps' shortcomings before the official launch on August 27.
The app -- launched to take on Facebook-owned WhatsApp -- promises features such as chat, multimedia, voice and video calling, video conferencing and collaboration.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka leads in AI: Minister Priyank Kharge at Impact Summit
Bengaluru (PTI): Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday highlighted the state’s leadership in AI and deep technology while engaging with global industry leaders and startups at a four-day summit held in New Delhi, officials said.
During the event, Priyank witnessed the signing of a strategic MoU between H Company and St John’s Medical College & Research Institute, Bengaluru, to pilot advanced enterprise AI for hospital operations and workflow automation, strengthening responsible AI in healthcare, the minister’s office said in a statement here.
Speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit, the minister said Karnataka is ahead of the curve in AI.
“We are already home to leading global AI players such as Harvey AI and Anthropic, and The Walt Disney Company is expanding its AI network in Bengaluru,” he added.
Noting Bengaluru’s position among the top global cities for AI talent, he added, “Under our DeepTech Decade, we are supporting startups with grants of up to Rs 1 crore. We are engaging with global leaders and innovators to ensure responsible AI use, build the right skill sets, create strong incubators, and establish Centres of Excellence that can foster startups and strengthen e-governance.”
The minister also attended a roundtable organised by the US-India Business Council (USIBC), where discussions focused on strengthening technology collaboration, investment partnerships, and innovation-led growth between Karnataka and global enterprises.
He met Timo Harakka, Member of Parliament of Finland, to explore possibilities for collaboration between Karnataka and Finland in AI and deep-tech sectors, including joint research, innovation partnerships, and startup exchanges.
The Karnataka IT Minister also visited the Indian Army showcase at the summit, which featured advanced AI-driven defence and strategic technology applications, highlighting the role of AI in national security and modernisation efforts.
He toured the Karnataka Pavilion and the ArtPark Pavilion, interacting with founders and teams from Karnataka’s innovation ecosystem and reviewing emerging AI and deep-tech solutions, the statement added.
