<OFF TOPIC>
GM,
One other note: the Dragon product actual gives -slightly- better recognition but at a higher price (about twice as much money, but still cheap), the main factor being the quality of the microphone that comes with it!
Also, IBM's Lotus Smart Suite is now shipping with a continuous-speech-centric version of WordPro. It's becoming mainstream. And things like this are going to eat CPU cycles like we can't believe. (Although the -minimum- system requires only a 150 MMX :^>.)
--John
enc. ibm.com notice about WordPro with ViaVoice
www3.lotus.com
Lotus SmartSuite 97 Now Includes First Word Processor with Built-In Speech Recognition
Users Can Accurately Dictate to Their Computers, Up to 140 Words Per Minute
See also:
lotus.com
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., October 6, 1997 -- The first word processor with built-in speech recognition is now available. Lotus Development Corp. today announced a breakthrough update to SmartSuite 97, its award-winning suite of computer productivity applications. Included is a voice-enabled version of Word Pro 97 word processing application that allows users to dictate text to their computers at rates of up to 140 words per minute -- up to 3 times faster than the average person can type, as well as give verbal commands.
"Until today, practical use of computer speech recognition has remained a futuristic dream," said Jeff Papows, president, Lotus Development Corp. "However, as a result of IBM?s advances in voice technology and its accuracy, coupled with the processing power of today?s computers, speech recognition is now a viable tool for the home and office. We are very excited about introducing this major advancement to desktop suite users."
The speech-enabled version of Word Pro 97 is the result of a joint development effort between Lotus and IBM. An established expert in the field of speech recognition technology, IBM recently released ViaVoice, the company?s first general purpose, continuous dictation product for the consumer market. Working together, IBM and Lotus have developed a custom version of ViaVoice that works specifically with Lotus Word Pro 97, the word processing application in Lotus SmartSuite 97.
"This is the first practical step toward the future of human interaction with computers and our unique collaboration with IBM has made it possible" said Lynne Capozzi, vice president, Internet Applications Division. "Lotus? voice-enabled word processing is accurate, easy to use and accessible to anyone who has ever wished for hands-free computing."
Is It Really That Easy?
To input text into Word Pro 97, users speak naturally to the computer through a microphone -- there is no need to pause between words and sentences. Word Pro 97 listens to what is being said and then transcribes the words into the word processor. In addition to understanding speech, IBM?s ViaVoice also has the ability to read text back to the user (known as text-to-speech). Key features include:
Direct Dictation Environment -- optimized for Lotus Word Pro 97
Large Active Vocabulary -- recognizes up to 64,000 words
Dictation Macro Editor -- provides the ability to create custom macros
Vocabulary Expander -- allows users to create their own vocabulary lists
Voice Commands -- empower users to tell the system to begin/end dictation, correct words, and more.
Speech recognition technology provides many benefits, especially to those who produce a high number of text documents. In terms of productivity, users can expect to dictate text much faster than the average person can type. Speech recognition also allows for virtually hands-free and eyes-free computer dictation, which is extremely useful in vertical markets like the medical field and manufacturing, where users can dictate memos while working with both hands. Additionally, users with physical challenges can use speech recognition technology to become more productive at home or at work.
Lotus Makes the Future Very Attractive
Lotus is combining an aggressive retail promotion with the availability of its new voice-enabled Word Pro. Coinciding with the new version of SmartSuite 97 is Lotus? Speak Up promotion. From October 1, 1997 to January 15, 1998 in North America, Lotus? Speak Up promotion entitles new users to the most advanced computer productivity suite available. New customers who purchase shrink-wrapped copies of SmartSuite 97 and submit a rebate coupon with required documentation will receive the updated version of SmartSuite 97 with speech recognition capabilities as well as:
a noise-canceling headset microphone for dictation and commands;
a free copy of Lotus Mail, Lotus? Internet e-mail package (a $49 value); and
a $30 rebate.
Current registered users of the North American, English language version of SmartSuite 97 are also qualified to upgrade to the enhanced SmartSuite 97, receive the noise-canceling headset microphone and Lotus Mail software for $19.95. Additionally, Lotus passport customers who have purchased a maintenance contract will receive the updated version of SmartSuite 97 in October 1997.
SmartSuite 97 System Requirements
SmartSuite 97 Edition for Windows 95 and Windows NT requires an IBM PC or compatible (486 50MHz or higher) running Windows 95 or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, and a Microsoft Windows compatible video adapter (VGA or higher resolution) and monitor. A minimum of 8MB of RAM is required (12MB recommended when running more than one application) for Windows 95. A minimum of 16MB of RAM is required for Windows NT. ViaVoice for Word Pro requires a Pentium 150MHz processor with MMX or a Pentium 166MHz processor without MMX, 32MB of RAM, 100MB of hard disk space, a SoundBlaster 16-bit audio board (SoundBlaster 16 100% compatible) or IBM Mwave, and a CD ROM drive.
For more information on SmartSuite 97 and the Lotus Internet applications product line, visit the Lotus Web site at lotus.com or call 1-800-343-5414 in the United States, or 1-800-GO-LOTUS in Canada.
Lotus Development Corporation, founded in 1982, is a subsidiary of IBM Corporation. Lotus offers high quality software products and services that reflect the company?s unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus? innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allow users to access and communicate information in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. Lotus now markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous professional consulting, support and education services through the Lotus Services Group.
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