Could GMGC be involved with this "in the near future"? The part about choosing a voice and personality is intriguing. If not for that part of the release, Nuance has other partners who could also provide the services described. Tell Me, BeVocal...
Nuance Enables World's First Completely Voice-Driven Wireless Phone Telespree Uses Nuance Speech Recognition to Deliver Unique ``Keypadless'' Handset and Service Platform for Wireless Carriers
MENLO PARK, Calif., Mar 13, 2001 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nuance (Nasdaq: NUAN chart, msgs), the leader in Voice Web software, today announced that it is providing the speech recognition technology for the world's first completely voice-driven telephone for the wireless market. This unique one-button phone is part of a comprehensive set of products and services provided to carriers around the world by Telespree Communications, a wireless systems provider based in San Francisco. Carriers will use Telespree's platform as the basis for a new class of low-cost, over-the-counter wireless offerings for the mass consumer market.
Initially, Telespree will use Nuance speech recognition software to power its voice-activated dialing service. Users simply say the phone number to dial. In the near future, Telespree will introduce other voice-driven applications on its platform, including messaging, name dialing, address books, and voice portal services, among others. In addition, Telespree will use Nuance technology to enable carriers and consumers to customize the user experience. For instance, users will be able to choose the voice and personality of their service.
"Products like Telespree's will revolutionize the way people communicate and interact via the telephone," said Ron Croen, President and CEO of Nuance. "Touchtone keypads will go the way of the rotary dial, and people will use the power of voice to place calls, access information and much more on the emerging Voice Web -- all thanks to speech recognition."
Nuance's industry-leading speech recognition software, Nuance 7.0, is the engine behind Telespree's voice-driven solution. Nuance 7.0 delivers the highest level of accuracy, scalability and reliability available, and is designed for deployments in carrier networks.
"At Telespree, we have developed a voice-driven wireless system that is easy-to-use, affordable and convenient," said Alon Segal, CEO of Telespree. "To ensure the best speech recognition technology, we chose the industry leader -- Nuance."
Telespree's voice-driven product and service offering includes a one-button wireless phone, disposable AirClips(TM) for prepaid airtime and battery power, and the Intelligent Service Manager platform, a unique smart server/thin client system. Targeted to the mass market, the inexpensive phones, which are ready to use right out of the package, will be sold by wireless carriers through such diverse retail outlets as mall kiosks, mass market retailers, grocery stores and even gas stations.
Seconds Out. |
