FNIX..news
Fonix VoiceIn Available for PlayStation2 and PC Platforms
Business Wire - March 16, 2004 09:00
Fonix now offers award-winning voice command interface software, already available on the Xbox(R) developer's kit, to cross-platform game developers
SALT LAKE CITY, Mar 16, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fonix(R) Corp. (OTC BB: FNIX), an industry leader in delivering conversational speech solutions to consumer systems and devices for everyday use, announces the availability of Fonix VoiceIn(TM), our unique voice interface software for cross-platform game developers wishing to employ voice command and control in games. This award-winning software has been available in the Microsoft Xbox(R) developer's kit (XDK) since February 2003, and now creators of cross-platform games can use the same voice solution for PlayStation(R)2 and PC games. Fonix VoiceIn for PlayStation(R)2 and PC platforms is available from Fonix. Call 801-553-6600 and say "Game Consoles" for pricing and delivery information.
Fonix VoiceIn's Cross-Platform Advantage
Game developers worldwide can now build games that utilize a common interface (API) across PlayStation(R)2 and PC platforms. Fonix VoiceIn is optimized for game development where memory and processing power are at a premium. Based on award-winning Fonix speech solutions, Fonix VoiceIn offers several compelling features:
-- Accurate with no voice training required: Game developers and
players needn't spend any time training or preparing for voice
recognition.
-- Easy to implement: The included tools and examples make it
easy for developers to add voice recognition to games. No
specific voice recognition expertise is required to implement
the technology.
-- Memory optimization: A typical implementation requires less
than 300k. As game developers continue to push the envelope
creating innovative games, memory is one of the first
limitations they encounter.
-- Minimal processor requirements: A typical implementation
requires less than 9 percent of the system's processing power.
With developers adding more functions, improving graphics and
audio and providing gamers with more options, processing power
is at a premium.
-- Cross-platform tools: Now game developers can save time and
money by using the same tool set across multiple platforms.
Award-Winning Software
Fonix voice command software has been available in the Xbox(R) XDK since early 2003. The first two games using Fonix voice command based on the Xbox(R) video game system were released in October 2003. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3, published by Ubisoft, and SWAT: Global Strike Team, published by Vivendi Universal Games, have received rave reviews for implementing Fonix voice commands as a way to make the games more immersive and fun to play. In fact, Rainbow Six 3 won "Best Innovation" for Voice Control in the February awards issue of The Official Xbox Magazine.
Demand for Voice Command
"Fonix VoiceIn allows developers to take voice command and control to a new level," said Tim K. Hong, vice president, Fonix Mobile/Wireless and Games. Fonix speech technology gives players new access to game features, command and control functions and menu navigation. "Voice command for games is a compelling feature for today's gamers," said Hong. "They want the added excitement, interaction and realism that voice interfaces provide."
Electronic Arts, the world's largest game developer, has also licensed the Fonix voice platform for their game developers worldwide. EA signed a multiple-year license agreement with Fonix for PlayStation(R)2 entertainment consoles and has an option to license Fonix speech solutions for additional game platforms.
Fonix VoiceIn is available to game developers in multiple languages, including English and U.K. English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese. Additional languages, specifically Italian and Korean, will be available mid-2004.
Game developers interested in implementing Fonix VoiceIn in PlayStation(R)2, Xbox(R) and PC games should call 801-553-6600 and say "Game Consoles." Fonix sales and development representatives are available to meet developers attending the Game Developers Conference in San Jose, Calif., March 22-26. Interested developers should call Fonix to arrange business and technical discussions in Suite 926, Hilton San Jose Towers |
