Microsoft Gets More People Talking
Company Announces Free Voice Command Consumer Trial; Plans to Add Support for Other Languages
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced at the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) plans to expand the current capabilities and availability of its popular Microsoft(R) Voice Command software for mobile devices.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
Voice Command -- which allows users of Windows Mobile(TM) 2003-based Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition to experience effortless, intelligent voice interaction with their phone, contacts, calendar, Windows Media(R) Player and other favorite applications -- has been so well received by consumers that Microsoft announced recent momentum and new developments including these:
-- Best-selling application on Handango.com. In its first month of
availability on Handango.com, the leading publisher of mobile software,
Microsoft's Voice Command was ranked the No. 1 best-selling application
for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, and the No. 2 best-selling
application across all mobile platforms.
-- Free trial version. In response to consumer feedback, Microsoft is
offering a free one-day trial version of Voice Command for those who
want to try before they buy the product. The trial copies will be
available to consumers through the company's online retail partner
Handango.com.
-- International language support. Microsoft will offer Voice Command,
already popular among English speakers, in several foreign languages
and make it available outside the United States by the end of the year.
-- Smartphone support. When the next Windows Mobile-based Smartphones
become available, consumers will be able to experience firsthand the
benefits of Voice Command to see what has everyone talking.
-- Retail availability. Consumers will soon be able to acquire a boxed
version of Voice Command from traditional brick-and-mortar retail
locations in addition to the downloadable version from Handango.com.
-- Partner collaboration. Capitalizing on the product's success, several
industry partners will offer Voice Command with complementary products.
For example, Plantronics Inc. will package Voice Command with one of
its hands-free headsets.
"Microsoft's Voice Command enables a revolution in the way people interact with their PDAs and cell phones," said Dick Brass, corporate vice president of Automotive Technology at Microsoft. "Consumers have responded with such enthusiasm that we're pleased to announce that we're expanding our current capabilities and availability."
Product Overview
The following key features are provided in Voice Command:
-- Voice-controlled hands-free phone. Whether in the car, at the airport
or walking down the street, people will enjoy true hands-free phone
conversations without ever having to manually dial a number. They can
simply say any name from their contact list. For example, they might
say "Call Bob Smith," or they could give a number, for example, "Dial
555-1212."
-- Voice-controlled calendar lookup. Checking appointments has never been
easier. Regardless of location, consumers can simply ask their Pocket
PC, "What's my next appointment?" or "What's my calendar?" and the
time, subject and location of each entry will be read aloud.
-- Voice-controlled Windows Media Player. Now voice commands can be used
as a virtual remote control to select and play music by album, artist
or genre so people won't be fumbling for CDs or scrolling through a
long list of songs. Consumers also can simply say, "Play music," using
Voice Command as their personal disc jockey.
-- Voice-controlled program launcher. Consumers can open Pocket PC
programs with ease, using natural voice cues to launch software,
including Microsoft Internet Explorer; Outlook(R) Calendar, Contacts
and Tasks; games; and Calculator. For example, a consumer can say
"Start Solitaire" to let the games begin.
Availability and System Requirements
Available for $39.95 (U.S.) on Handango.com and PocketPC.com, Voice Command is not only an affordable way to enhance a Pocket PC but is simple to install for consumers whose systems meet the following minimum requirements:
-- Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC or Pocket PC Phone Edition
-- Microsoft ActiveSync(R) 3.7 technology
-- Microsoft Windows(R) XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition
(Windows Me) or Windows 98 Second Edition operating system
About the Automotive Business Unit
Since 1995, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit has worked collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. By extending its knowledge of software for use in the car to Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs, Microsoft is able to deliver the easiest, most convenient and productive software designed specifically to help people take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go. In addition to offering consumers an alternative means to experience in-car connectivity, Microsoft will continue to provide the automotive industry with its advanced telematics platform, Windows Automotive. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 23 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 12 world-class automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Citroen, Clarion Co. Ltd., Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
NOTE: Microsoft, Windows Mobile, Windows Media, Outlook, ActiveSync and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information on Microsoft Voice Command:
http://www.microsoft.com/voicecommand/
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .