Microsoft has introduced voice-controlled software for
Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Pocket PC Phone
Edition.
Microsoft said Voice Command allows users to have
speaker-independent, hands-free voice interaction with their phone
applications, including contacts and calendars.
It has spent the past 10 years researching the software -
technology which uses phonetic speech-recognition technology to
allow users to use natural language. This would be as opposed to
pre-recorded prompts, where the user would have to say the prompt
the exact way it is recorded to be successful.
To activate the technology, the user would, either through a
headset or directly into the device, say the name of the person
they want to call or state a phone number they want dialled.
To activate the voice-controlled calendar, users would ask the
device when their next appointment is, and the time, subject and
location of each entry would be read aloud, Microsoft said.
To launch the voice-controlled applications, the user would say
what application they wish to use including Internet Explorer,
Outlook, Tasks and calculator.
Warren Wilson, a practice director at Summit Strategies, said
the great hope with this technology is that it will be capable
enough to simplify the process of interacting with small-screen
devices.
He added that by simplifying the user's interaction with these
small "clunky devices", the adoption barriers that have existed in
the enterprise will be broken.
"[Microsoft] can certainly afford to take a leadership position,
and the market is open for someone to take a leadership position
right now," said John Jackson, an analyst with The Yankee
Group.
The minimum requirements for successful installation of Voice
Command include: Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC or
Pocket PC Phone Edition; Microsoft ActiveSync 3.7 technology;
Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition or
Windows 98 Second Edition operation system and a CD-Rom drive.
Voice Command technology was originally designed as a safety
application for professionals who spend a lot of time on
their phones while driving. Since beta testing the product however,
Microsoft said it has realised that any mobile professional would
benefit from the technology.
Voice Command software is available now on
www.Handango.com and
www.PocketPC.com for $40
(£24).
Lindsay Bruce writes for ITWorldCanada.com