Most voice-controlled software requires users to pre-record verbal commands, says Microsoft, whereas Voice Command allows them to use natural, conversational commands to manage device actions with "immediate effect." The software is speaker-independent, enabling the device to recognize what the user is saying without any prior training, resulting in effortless, "hands free" communication.
Microsoft offers several examples of how Voice Command can be used:
- Voice-controlled hands-free phone -- dial a phone call by simply saying a name in the Contacts list. Say "call David Jones" for example, or "dial 020 71234 5678."
- Caller information announced -- incoming call information can be announced as calls are received. If you think you may have missed a call, simply ask "What calls did I miss?" and Voice Command will recite the time and phone number of missed calls.
- Voice-controlled calendar look up -- ask the device "What's my next appointment?" or "What's my calendar?" and the time, subject and location of each entry will be spoken aloud.
- Voice-controlled utilities -- start any program in the Start menu or programs folder, such as Internet Explorer, the Outlook calendar, contacts, tasks, games or calculator. Get signal strength, battery level, time and day by voice. To help avoid surprises, Voice Command will provide an alert when the battery is getting low.
Voice Command was
released last August in US English. The new version is specifically designed for the United Kingdom and can recognize over 13 national dialects from the counties across the country including, for example, Welsh, Glaswegian and Scottish accents, according to Microsoft.
"Voice Command provides a significant improvement in speech software that is dramatically changing the way people will forever use their mobile devices," said Pieter Knook, senior vice president for Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft.
Voice Command was developed by Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit as part of an effort to meet safety requirements for in-car mobile device use. A recent survey revealed that 85 percent of U.S. cell phone owners and 50 percent of PDA owners use their devices while in the car, according to Microsoft.
Currently, Voice Command is only available for Windows Mobile Pocket PCs. However, the company told
WindowsForDevices last year that it was working on a Windows Mobile Smartphone version. Refer to our
earlier coverage for further details and perspective on Microsoft's Voice Command software for Windows Mobile devices.
Related stories:
