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December 16, 2005
Raging against the machines
That is just a taste of the secret shortcuts we could all use - maybe double during the holidays. Don't thank me. Thank Paul English. He's the Bostonian co-founder of Kayak.com, an Internet travel site. But he has recently become a minor celebrity because of his personal Web site, paulenglish.com. and its "IVR Cheat Sheet" - which lists dozens of ways to circumvent those automated voice recognition systems.
Posted by Michelle at 12:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Down syndrome barriers falling: College opportunities expand for disabled
In the past, the educational road for students like Brown came to an abrupt halt after high school. But in recent years, young adults with developmental disabilities are finding a burst of opportunities--from Maine to Elmhurst--that once would have been unthinkable.
...Each program is different. Though the courses are demanding, they are taught differently. Less "chalk and talk," more hands-on experiences and technology, such as voice-activated computers.
"This isn't some watered-down curriculum," Johnson said. "We push our students somewhere between frustrating and challenging ... that's where true learning happens."
Posted by Michelle at 12:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
W3C looks to improve speech recognition technology for web transactions
W3C, the standards-setting body for the Internet (World Wide Web Consortium), has completed a draft for the important VoiceXML 3.0 - technology enabling voice identification verification. While normally associated with voice commands, it has the potential to greatly speed and improve the accuracy and positive proof of online transactions.
Posted by Michelle at 12:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 15, 2005
Nuance talks up customer drive
Speech recognition software vendor, Nuance Communications, formerly ScanSoft, has started a new customer campaign via its channel partners to boost uptake of its boxed products.
The vendor is now offering end users $30 cash back on all products from its productivity range, including the Dragon Naturally Speaking, PaperPort, PDF Create, PDF Converter or OmniPage software. The offer will be available between now and the first quarter of next year.
Posted by Michelle at 11:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
ezTalker digital Advanced Bluetooth Headset With Optimized Display Minimizes Need for Direct Access to Mobile Phone
ezTalker digital's over-the-ear design puts the headset controls at the user's fingertips. Making and receiving calls is simple with one-touch access to pairing, answer, end, reject, and transfer call, power on/off, volume control, mute, call waiting, last number redial, and voice-activated dialing. Both visual and audible indicators identify the headset mode, and provide a low battery indication.
Posted by Michelle at 11:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Need for speed: Rating thrills, spills of latest racing games: NASCAR 06 Total Team Control
More control: Voice-recognition allows you to give commands to your team through a USB headset (not included). Order the drivers to draft each other, to block for you - even get reprimanded for swearing! (The toggle switch on your controller works for commands, but that's too cumbersome.)
Posted by Michelle at 11:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Honda's robot all grown up
By pre-programming the guest's name, meeting room and other data in an IC (integrated circuit) tag to be worn by the visitor upon arrival, an office worker can remotely send commands to Asimo, which in turn would pick them up through a built-in IC tag reader.
Behind the seemingly simple tasks are a myriad advanced sensor, image and voice recognition technologies that Honda says will be applied to its core automotive business to improve safety and other features.
Posted by Michelle at 11:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Digital Dan's 2005 Gift Guide: Razrwire
...Oakley's Razrwire Bluetooth headset snaps onto an elegant frame. A multi-function button allows you to connect to your wireless handset, place a call, and use voice activated dialing (now mostly standard on the latest Bluetooth-enabled cell phones.) The single ear bud fits well and the sound quality is respectable.
Posted by Michelle at 11:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Getting Around, Made Easier
The BlackBerry 7520 automatically fixes where it is, and once a location - an exact street address or simply an intersection in a given city - is entered with its keyboard or by way of its voice recognition feature, the device goes to work. It graphically maps out directions based on several criteria, including whether the traveler prefers driving highways or city streets, or walking.
Posted by Michelle at 11:33 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Speech Recognition Consumer Products Hit it Big in 2005
Sensory, Inc., the world leader in embedded speech technologies, today announced that in 2005 the company achieved record revenues and profits due to its customers' success in releasing speech enabled products, with revenues increasing 70% over the preceding year. Customers such as Radica Games, Hasbro, Inc.'s Tiger Electronics and Innotech Systems have contributed to this outstanding year. "We are ecstatic to have so many customers flourishing in the marketplace," said Todd Mozer, Chairman and CEO of Sensory. "Thanks to their efforts Sensory has had an outstanding year, enabling us to fund many exciting new speech related R&D projects for the years to come."
Posted by Michelle at 11:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 05, 2005
Command Control
A simplified voice recognition programme that can control a computer with a few commands has been developed by US assistive technology firm RJ Cooper and Associates. 'Speak to Me' responds to frequently used commands such as 'save,' 'open,' 'copy and paste,' and users can ask to be directed to web pages. It costs $109 (around 50 pounds).
Posted by Michelle at 06:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack