Microsoft Releases Voice Command for Three European Markets

[Jason Dunn]

There's been much grumbling that Microsoft's Voice Command application was only available in the US and Canada, so I was pleased to see that they've released versions for UK English, German and French. The press release is below, and you should be able to find the software on the localized versions of Handango.<br /><br /><i>"London — 7 March 2005 — Today, Microsoft launches the first voice-controlled software specifically designed for Windows Mobile™ 2003-based Pocket PCs in Europe — Microsoft® Voice Command. Voice Command transforms Pocket PCs and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices into virtual interactive personal assistants by enabling effortless, hands-free management of a range of functionalities such as phone, contacts, appointments and Windows Media® Player. This application is a cost-effective and convenient way for consumers to get the most out of their connected lifestyle. Through speech commands, which do not need to be pre-recorded, Microsoft Voice Command offers users the following key features</i><!>:<br /><br />· Voice-controlled hands-free phone. Whether in the car, at the airport or walking down the street, people can enjoy true hands-free phone conversations without ever having to manually dial a number. They can simply say any name from their contacts list. For example, they might say “call David Jones” or “dial 020 71234 5678” in order to use the phone capability of their device.<br /><br />· Caller information announced. Pocket PC Phone Edition users can have incoming call information announced as calls are received. If you think you may have missed a call, you can simply ask “What calls did I miss?” and Voice Command will recite the time and phone number of missed calls.<br /><br />· Voice-controlled calendar look up. Checking appointments has never been easier. Regardless of location, consumers can simply ask their device “What’s my next appointment?” or “What’s my calendar?” and the time, subject and location of each entry will be spoken aloud.<br /><br />· Voice-controlled Windows Media Player. Now voice commands can be used as a virtual remote control to select and play music by artist, album or genre. People don’t need to fumble for CDs anymore; instead they can scroll through and play a long list of songs by voice activation on Windows Media Player already installed on their device. Consumers can simply say “Play music” using Voice Command as their personal disc jockey.<br /><br />· Voice-controlled utilities. Start any program in the Start menu or programmes folder, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, the Outlook® calendar, contacts, tasks, games or calculator. Get signal strength, battery level, time and day by voice. To help avoid surprises, Voice Command will even alert you when your battery is getting low.<br /><br />Voice Command uses Microsoft’s own phonetic speech-recognition technology, the result of ten years of research, to make speech interaction easy to use, intuitive and practical. Most voice-controlled software requires people to pre-record verbal commands, where as Microsoft Voice Command allows them to use natural, conversational commands to manage device actions with immediate effect. The software is speaker independent, enabling the device to recognise what the user is saying, without any prior training, resulting in effortless, “hands free” communication. This means that the software does not need to “learn” any specific speech traits. It recognises the name, appointment, music or application command and actions immediately upon installation. This makes Microsoft Voice Command one of the most powerful, simple and effective voice recognition applications on the market today.<br /><br />Voice Command was previously released in US English with great response from consumers on the ease of use, accuracy, and how it transformed their overall device experience. This version, specifically designed for the UK, can recognise over 13 national dialects from the counties across the country including, for example, Welsh, Glaswegian and Scottish accents so that anyone in the UK can use natural speech to command their device.<br /><br />“Voice Command provides a significant improvement in speech software that is dramatically changing the way people will forever use their mobile devices,” said Pieter Knook, senior vice president for Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. “The product is a great example of how we’re driving synergies between our platforms and devices business to create more powerful mobile experiences for our customers.”<br /><br />Voice Command will be sold as a separate application for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs at a suggested retail price of £19.99 and can be bought online at <a href="www.handango.com">www.handango.com</a>.<br /><br />About Microsoft<br /><br />Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.<br /><br />About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)<br /><br />Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 12,000 people in over 55 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories."

[Don't Panic!]

I'd love to see an always on, use a password "word" to powerup functionality with the PPC version of voice command.

Unfortunately ,I have yet to be assimillated.

The PPCPE/Smartphone features rock though!

[dochall]

The handango (www.handango.com) link above doesn't work (it has a trailing period).

The trial version is a trial version of the US vc rather than the UK version. It's a shame as I found the US version to be pretty ropey when recognising my voice (worse than Fonix) so I was keen to try the local version prior to purchase.[/url]

[biglouis]

The Handago link definitely works for UK customers and I think I am download/purchase number 21 (at 6:15AM this morning, sad ain't it?)

I'm impressed that MS has released this so quickly. When I enquired about it a month ago I was told some time "later this year". Clearly, someone in their product management department worked out that the market was sufficiently large enough to pull the stops out.

I can't exactly see why it is a UK version, other than the fact that the synthesised voice has a more mid-Atlantic accent to it.

IMHO, if not the best, then one of the best apps for PPC

Louis

[Don't Panic!]

Try this LINK (http://www.handango.co.uk/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?productType=2&amp;optionId=1_2_2&amp;jid=3X7BAA8B3DFC2F592DEF449F33BFFB9A&amp;platformId=2&amp;siteId=172&amp;osId=650&amp;productId=151270&amp;sectionId=0&amp;catalog=30&amp;txtSearch=Voice+Command).

[Darius Wey]

I can't exactly see why it is a UK version, other than the fact that the synthesised voice has a more mid-Atlantic accent to it.

Actually, I doubt much of the optimisation is seen in voice recognition. I have an Australian accent and have tested the US version on numerous occasions, and it has worked fine. Pals I have from the UK and New Zealand also have accents of their own, and the US version, again presents no real problems for them. What are the most probable changes are (a) providing "local" support for phone numbers and the way they are voice-dialled (because it's obvious that the formats change from one country to another), and (b) establishing a regional MS presence targetting Voice Command so they can attend to support queries, etc.

[jpriddle]

Will Aussies be able to buy this version? Downloaded the US Trial a while back, loved it, &amp; tried to buy it from Handango. Couldn't get it even if I used a friends hotmail email address as the contact.
I emailed Microsoft Australia, who said it would be available 'later in 2005'.
I'd love to be able to buy this version.

[Darius Wey]

Will Aussies be able to buy this version? Downloaded the US Trial a while back, loved it, &amp; tried to buy it from Handango. Couldn't get it even if I used a friends hotmail email address as the contact.
I emailed Microsoft Australia, who said it would be available 'later in 2005'.
I'd love to be able to buy this version.

I honestly doubt it since these versions are targetting the European markets. If an Australian version will be released later this year, then it may be worth waiting. :D

[Darius Wey]

Actually, I doubt much of the optimisation is seen in voice recognition. I have an Australian accent and have tested the US version on numerous occasions, and it has worked fine. Pals I have from the UK and New Zealand also have accents of their own, and the US version, again presents no real problems for them. What are the most probable changes are (a) providing "local" support for phone numbers and the way they are voice-dialled (because it's obvious that the formats change from one country to another), and (b) establishing a regional MS presence targetting Voice Command so they can attend to support queries, etc.

Hmmm... my bad. The European versions actually have optimisations made for various accents and word differences. Great stuff. :way to go:

[Janus]

If you are trying to install the upgrade to Microsoft Voice command version 1.5 from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/voicecommand/updateversion.mspx for your Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone and an error message on the desktop that

“No previous version of Microsoft Voice Command US PPC 1.50 was not found on this machine. The setup cannot continue” and you do have version 1.0 or 1.01 already installed, I would suggest the below mentioned steps .

1. On the Desktop, to go Control Panel à Add/ Remove Programs à Look for Microsoft Voice command US PPC 1.5. Typically you would have two instances of voice command here, the other being Microsoft Voice command, which is the version 1.0 or 1.01 and the qualifying product for the upgrade which should not be uninstalled at this point.

2. Now, highlight only Microsoft Voice command US PPC 1.5 and then click remove. This install size should be around 0.09 MB or 0.07MB due to incomplete install previously.

3. Now uncradle your pocket PC / PPCPE, Tap Start à Settings à System Tab à Remove Programs If you had installed Voice command 1.01 on the Pocket PC phone.

4. Highlight Microsoft Voice command, then Click Remove in the Pocket PC. Once the software is removed from the Pocket PC and you removed the listing of Microsoft Voice command US PPC 1.5 on the desktop in the control panel.

5. Cradle your Pocket PC again and synchronize. Now run the Microsoft Voice command 1.5 Upgrade setup file which you downloaded from the MS website once again and perform the actions displayed. This should install the Voice command upgrade to V1.5 on the Pocket PC device successfully.

Happy Voice Commanding Folks!!!

By Janus!!

Special thanks to GrYph0n !

[Mr_Gadget]

Thanks for the info Janus!

I downloaded MS Voice Command UK Version 1.5 and I am loving it! It goes well on my O2 XDA IIs and Arkon Car Mount!

P.S. Great forum guys! :)