Speech Recognition on Handhelds Getting Nearer (but not yet)

Pens are great—or they could be great—but let’s be honest; wouldn’t we all like to command our PDAs to record our ideas, make our appointments, or send a fax—using our voice? While this is still a dream in PDA-land, Kurzweil Applied Intelligence (KAI) is bringing it one step closer by making the leap to Microsoft Windows-based desktop PCs.

Kurzweil VOICE for Windows Release 1.0 is a new program that enables users to manipulate Windows-based software by voice. This first release enables a user to dictate text and data into Windows applications, and also navigate the Windows system by voice commands.

The product is a combination hardware and software that includes a DSP-based sound board and microphone. The base system requires a 486 DX/33 or higher with 8 to 16 MB of memory, effectively putting it out of reach for use with truly mobile computers. However, the march is now on and mobile computing should clearly be a prime target for any voice recognition system.

Kurzweil VOICE incorporates knowledge of about 200,000 words enabling it to support a large vocabulary that is speaker independent. The technology relies on discrete speech recognition, requiring users to pause slightly between words. Still, Kurzweil estimates that most users will attain accurate rates matching an accomplished typist.

Kurzweil VOICE Release 1.0 will be available at the end of May 1994, and has a suggested retail price of $995. For more information, please contact KAI at (617) 893-5151, (617) 893-6525 (fax).