Monday, November 17, 2003		Feature

Microsoft at your Voice Command
David Brunnstrom

Microsoft vice- president of automotive technology Dick Brass uses Microsoft Voice Command on a Windows Mobile- based Pocket PC at corporate headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

MICROSOFT has begun selling new voice control software that allows cellphone and handheld computer users to control most functions of their devices by voice, reports Xinhua. The new software called Voice Command will be sold as an add-on for the Windows Mobile Pocket PC software for handheld computers and the Pocket PC version of mobile phones, said Microsoft.

The new product could perform basic functions—such as getting contact information, making phone calls and accessing applications—by issuing voice commands.

The software also integrates with the handheld version of Microsoft’s Media Player to allow voice-activated control of digital music playback. Microsoft added that the new product allows consumers to use natural language to control their mobile devices, instead of requiring them to use pre-recorded verbal commands.

The software giant, trying to move its software beyond the desktop and into living rooms and mobile devices, said the new voice control software would make it easier for users to access information and functions without navigating through menus.

The new software is available for $ 39.95 through Microsoft’s PocketPC Websites that specialise in mobile software packages. — IANS