Fonix Releases VoiceDial 2.0 for Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphones

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.fonix.com/page.cfm?name=news&id=1480' target='_blank'>http://www.fonix.com/page.cfm?name=news&id=1480</a><br /><br /></div>"Fonix® Corporation, an industry leader in delivering conversational speech solutions to consumer systems and devices for everyday use, announces the release of Fonix VoiceDial™ 2.0, the most intuitive, user-friendly speech interface software solution for mobile phones. Original design manufacturers (ODMs) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can license VoiceDial for a per-unit royalty fee. End users may download the software for $15.95 at <a href="www.fonix.com">www.fonix.com</a>.<br /><br />...• Customers may now choose from multiple languages including English, German, French and Spanish. <br /><br />• Version 2.0’s support for both TTS and recorded prompts allows users to choose the most efficient and intelligible interface for their device. <br /><br />• This upgraded version supports screen rotation (either Landscape or Portrait display) for added convenience. <br /><br />• The VoiceDial 2.0 user interface is scalable for optimal device screen size. <br /><br />• Users can minimize the interface so that it does not obscure information on the screen. <br /><br />• Users can use their voice to access contacts on the device’s SIM card as well as in their Contacts list. <br /><br />• Support for TTS on Smartphone devices. (Previously, the Smartphone version only allowed for recorded prompts, now TTS increases the usability for Smartphone users.)"<br /><br />I've never been a big user of voice diallers, but this looks like a solid improvement to their product. Any Fonix VoiceDail users out there? Does 2.0 sound like it will address the shortcomings of 1.0?

[surur]

All fine and good, and nice and cheap too, but where is the killer feature everyone is waiting for? Where is the voice dialling over bluetooth?

I know all about missing profiles etc, but thats nonsense. If one volunteer on his own time can write his own bluetooth software (http://bluetooth.i-networx.de/index_e.html)and make it available for free, why cant a company with a few paid for developers not do the same in a few weeks. Dont they know that they will have everyone who bought an XDA 2 immediately buying their software ( I certainly would, even if it was $30).

This looks rather like they are fiddling around the edges and doing the easy stuff, when the real problem still remains to be solved.

Surur

[surur]

Just having a read of their web site (http://www.fonix.com/page.cfm?name=product_fonix_voicedial&ID=14), and I found this amusing :

Mark in NY - November 19, 2003
I have Voice Dial on my Samsung and LOVE IT! Even on the subway platforms of NYC it recognizes my voice commands. People stare all the time as I tell my phone what to do instead of pushing buttons! Thanks FONIX!

- Mark in NYC from New York City


A trekkie if I ever seen one :lol:

Surur

[dpixel8]

yeah, this is great and all, but what about those of us who have an almost full-featured iPAQ 41xx, a bluetooth compatible phone, and just want to integrate them. Hell, I would be happy just being able to touch a contact on the ipaq, and have it dial the phone number on my T616, so that I can use my hands-free kit with the phone. HOW HARD CAN THIS BE TO DO!???!?!

:evil:

[Pat Logsdon]

Mark in NY - November 19, 2003
I have Voice Dial on my Samsung and LOVE IT! Even on the subway platforms of NYC it recognizes my voice commands. People stare all the time as I tell my phone what to do instead of pushing buttons! Thanks FONIX!

- Mark in NYC from New York City


A trekkie if I ever seen one :lol:
My guess is that the staring was the result of him giving voice commands in KLINGON. :mrgreen:

Back on topic now. I wonder how this stacks up against Voice Command...

[jimski]

yeah, this is great and all, but what about those of us who have an almost full-featured iPAQ 41xx, a bluetooth compatible phone, and just want to integrate them. Hell, I would be happy just being able to touch a contact on the ipaq, and have it dial the phone number on my T616, so that I can use my hands-free kit with the phone. HOW HARD CAN THIS BE TO DO!???!?!

:evil:

Not hard at all. I do that now with my iPAQ 5450 and T616. Just try out the latest version of Agenda Fusion. And yes, I can dial the number with the iPAQ and talk through my Bluetooth headset. No need to touch the phone.