[access-uk] Microsoft Gives Mobile Devices a Voice in Europe
- From: "George Bell" <george@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 09:28:35 -0000
Just for your information.
George.
Microsoft (Press Releases)
Monday, March 07, 2005
Microsoft Gives Mobile Devices a Voice in Europe
Microsoft Voice Command gives users the power of speech
control for
their Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs
London -- March 7, 2005 -- Today, Microsoft launches the
first
voice-controlled software specifically designed for Windows
MobileT
2003-based Pocket PCs in Europe - Microsoft Voice Command.
Voice
Command transforms Pocket PCs and Pocket PC Phone Edition
devices
into virtual interactive personal assistants by enabling
effortless,
hands-free management of a range of functionalities such as
phone,
contacts, appointments and Windows Media Player. This
application is
a cost-effective and convenient way for consumers to get the
most out
of their connected lifestyle. Through speech commands, which
do not
need to be pre-recorded, Microsoft Voice Command offers
users the
following key
features:
Voice-controlled hands-free phone. Whether in the car, at
the airport
or walking down the street, people can enjoy true hands-free
phone
conversations without ever having to manually dial a number.
They can
simply say any name from their contacts list. For example,
they might
say "call David Jones" or "dial 020 71234 5678" in order to
use the
phone capability of their device.
Caller information announced. Pocket PC Phone Edition users
can have
incoming call information announced as calls are received.
If you
think you may have missed a call, you can 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. Checking appointments has
never
been easier. Regardless of location, consumers can simply
ask their
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 Windows Media Player. Now voice commands
can be used
as a virtual remote control to select and play music by
artist, album
or genre. People don't need to fumble for CDs anymore;
instead they
can scroll through and play a long list of songs by voice
activation
on Windows Media Player already installed on their device.
Consumers
can simply say "Play music" using Voice Command as their
personal
disc jockey.
Voice-controlled utilities. Start any program in the Start
menu or
programs folder, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, the
OutlookÂ
calendar, contacts, tasks, games or calculator. Get signal
strength,
battery level, time and day by voice. To help avoid
surprises, Voice
Command will even alert you when your battery is getting
low.
Voice Command uses Microsoft's own phonetic
speech-recognition
technology, the result of 10 years of research, to make
speech
interaction easy to use, intuitive and practical. Most
voice-controlled software requires people to pre-record
verbal
commands, whereas Microsoft 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. This
means that
the software does not need to "learn" any specific speech
traits. It
recognizes the name, appointment, music or application
command and actions immediately upon installation.
This makes Microsoft Voice Command one of the most powerful,
simple
and effective voice recognition applications on the market
today.
Voice Command was previously released in U.S. English with
great
response from consumers on the ease of use, accuracy, and
how it
transformed their overall device experience. This version,
specifically designed for the United Kingdom, can recognize
over 13
national dialects from the counties across the country
including, for
example, Welsh, Glaswegian and Scottish accents so that
anyone in the
U.K. can use natural speech to command their device.
"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. "The product is
a great
example of how we're driving synergies between our platforms
and
devices business to create more powerful mobile experiences
for our customers."
Voice Command will be sold in the United Kingdom as a
separate
application for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs at a
suggested retail
price of Â19.99 (approximately US$38) and can be bought
online at
www.handango.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide
leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and
businesses
realize their full potential.
This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft
Corporation disclaims all warranties and conditions with
regard to
use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft
Corporation shall
not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct,
indirect or
consequential damages, whether in an action of contract,
negligence
or other action arising out of or in connection with the use
or
performance of the material. Nothing herein should be
construed as
constituting any kind of warranty. Microsoft, Windows
Mobile, Outlook
and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of
Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The
names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may
be the
trademarks of their respective owners.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/mar05/03-07ppc
vcpr.asp
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