ScanSoft Speech-Enables New Generation of Citroen Cars
ALMERE, Netherlands & PARIS--March 25, 2002--Clarion and ScanSoft Team on Solution that Allows Voice Activated
Command and Control of Navigation, CD, Radio, e-Mail and Telephony
Features
ScanSoft Inc. , a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions, today announced that its speech and language technologies are used to voice-enable certain models from Citroen, a leading European automobile manufacturer.
ScanSoft has teamed with Clarion to provide leading speech and language capabilities for Clarion's AutoPC, which is now available as an option in Citroen's Xsara and new C5. Clarion's groundbreaking in-dash personal assistant incorporates ScanSoft's ASR 200 and Text-to-Speech technology TTS 3000 to allow drivers to use the power of voice to perform a number of tasks from safely behind the wheel. ScanSoft's ASR speech recognition software processes all spoken commands and the TTS engine converts written text to spoken word for e-mail reading or navigation system output.
Examples of how Citroen drivers are using ScanSoft speech technology include:
-- Drivers can use their voice to automatically select tracks from the CD changer, activate or de-activate the navigation unit or radio, scan or select stations and adjust the volume.
-- The system automatically informs the driver when e-mail has arrived. The driver can orally browse through messages, listen to who sent them, identify when they were sent and determine what the subject lines say.
-- Drivers can dial their cell phones via preset numbers simply by telling the unit to select a name in the address book.
-- The system sends drivers spoken traffic alerts concerning accidents and driving conditions. Step-by-step vocal guidance is provided to maneuver drivers around such conditions and arrive safely at their destination.
Didier Cruse, Chief Strategic Officer of Product Marketing at Citroen/PSA said: "PSA is a pioneer in using speech in the car. We are happy with the sales of first year's production and have expanded our model into other product lines as we see an increasing demand of cars equipped with personal computing. We are pleased that ScanSoft is committed to increase together with us the market for speech technologies."
ScanSoft, through its acquisition of Lernout & Hauspie, offers the most complete, integrated suite of technologies and services that provide speech capabilities for the automotive industry. Broad language support, speech recognition, noise management and synthesized speech are the core of the mobility technology from ScanSoft's automotive initiatives.
"The ScanSoft speech engine allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel," said Tony Verheggen, Clarion's Senior Vice President of North American Sales. "ScanSoft brings tremendous experience and knowledge in speech technologies, reducing driver distraction and providing a safer, more connected automotive environment."
Peter Hauser, Scansoft's senior vice president and general manager for international operations said: "ScanSoft is delighted to see its technology used in Citroen cars. As safety and convenience are hallmarks of ScanSoft's speech technologies in the automotive business, we are especially pleased to provide Citroen with cutting-edge voice capabilities for its line of cars."
About Clarion Corporation
Clarion Corporation of America has its headquarters in Gardena, California and is the largest subsidiary of Tokyo based Clarion Company Ltd. Clarion ranks among the top 100 Global OEM Suppliers by Automotive News. Clarion, an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940 is positioned as the number one independent car audio manufacturer. The company conducts research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of entertainment, communications, security and navigation products for the automotive environment, including the newly emerging category of in-vehicle computing. Clarion has more than 14,000 employees worldwide and 24 factories in 10 countries, with marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the Web at www.clarion.com.
About ScanSoft Inc.
ScanSoft, Inc. is the leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft products and technologies, please visit www.ScanSoft.com.
Trademark reference: ScanSoft and RealSpeak are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company names or product names referenced herein may be the trademarks of their respective holders.
The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performances are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in the Company's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.