| Pocket PC PDAs and phones can now listen and talk |
Aug. 13, 2004
[Updated 4:30pm PDT] -- Microsoft's voice input/output software for Pocket PC PDAs and phones has now hit US store shelves. "Voice Command" is said to enable voice access to contacts, phone, calendar, media player, and more -- without voice training. In addition to speech recognition, the program also provides voice prompts to the user.
Key features of Voice Command, which supports devices running Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 based Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition software platforms, include: - Speaker independent
- No voice training required
- Conversational style that asks questions if more information is needed
- Use a single command to quickly get what you want, or be guided if you prefer
- Say "What can I say" or "Help" at any time
Voice Command software is said to be based on a next-generation phonetic speech-recognition technology, the result of 10 years of research, that makes speech interaction simple, intuitive, and practical. Unlike most voice-controlled software applications today that require users to deliver unnatural and prerecorded verbal commands, Voice Command lets them use natural language, Microsoft says.
Voice Control for Pocket PC was initially released in November, 2003 and is currently limited to use with Windows Mobile 2003 based Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Editions. However, at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, Microsoft announced plans to expand the software's compatibility with an expectation that a Smartphone version of Voice Command will be released during the second half of 2004.
A Microsoft source told WindowsForDevices this week that the company is currently working on the Smartphone version, adding expanded language coverage, and incorporating support for upcoming versions of Windows Media for Windows Mobile and the Pocket PC / Smartphone platforms, with the goal of a product release toward the end of this year.
Additionally, Microsoft is "very interested" in adding a developer API (application programming interface) that would enable making use of the technology contained within the Voice Command software from with custom applications, and would like to work with key developers on this during 2005.
What about support for generic Windows CE? According to our source, although Voice Command currently only runs on the Pocket PC and Smartphone platforms due to application and shell integration issues, the company is interested in discussing other Windows CE device projects which may result in "sufficient volume."
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.
Here are links to several online reviews of Voice Command software for Pocket PCs: Voice Command is priced at $39.99 ("suggest retail price") and is available through Microsoft retail partners CompUSA, Circuit City, Amazon.com, Fry's Electronics, Micro Center, J&R Electronics, and MobilePlanet, and through distributors Ingram Micro and Tech Data.
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