Pronounced Technologies Licenses Navigation Smart Chip to Eclipse
31 March 1999
Pronounced Technologies Licenses Navigation Smart Chip to Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten
RESEDA, Calif.--March 31, 1999--Pronounced Technologies, developer of the AudioNav(TM), the world's first portable voice-interactive vehicle-navigation system, has licensed its AudioNav smart chip to Eclipse(TM) by Fujitsu Ten(TM) for inclusion in the Eclipse Commander in-vehicle voice-interactive computer.The smart chip in the Eclipse Commander voice-interactive computer allows for complete voice-interactive control of navigation and vehicle electronics functions, utilizes a complex spell-checking system, and enables the unit to respond to different voices (speaker independent), regardless of variable speech patterns, dialects, etc.
Pronounced Technologies' voice recognition navigation technology will be used in the Eclipse Commander model 9002.
This command module connects to E-COM-ready CD players (models 5506, 5504 and 5443) and transforms these units into voice-interactive computers, equipping the systems with speaker-independent voice command of the following: vehicle navigation, cell-phone integration, audio-system controls and on-board vehicle electronics. All models can also operate with an optional Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (model 9902).
"Our licensing agreement with Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten will generate sizable revenue for Pronounced Technologies and serve as a legitimate endorsement of our core technology," said Zaya Younan, president and chief executive officer of Pronounced Technologies.
"The Eclipse Audio Systems represent world-class products in the audio consumer electronics market. Our smart chip will transform their car stereo/CD players into the first high-performance, hands-free and safety-conscious navigation systems.
"Too many in-vehicle accessories distract people from paying full attention to driving," added Younan. "Our technology will ensure driver safety by enabling all Eclipse customers to navigate and control audio and phone functions simply by talking."
"With the addition of Pronounced Technologies' state-of-the-art speech recognition operating chip, our Eclipse Commander voice-interactive computer boasts features that differentiate our product from any other in the audio and navigation industry," said Ray Windsor, vice president of sales and marketing for Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten.
"The Commander will represent the first practical in-vehicle computer with voice control of everything from GPS navigation to opening the car trunk. Also, no other navigation system utilizes a voice-recognition technology that is speaker independent, error-free, and calculates directions virtually in real time."
The Eclipse Commander systems will be available late April at car-audio and consumer-electronics specialty retailers. Also available in spring is Pronounced Technologies' AudioNav, a portable navigation unit/music disc player that utilizes the same voice-interactive technology as the Eclipse Commander.
Pronounced Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer of speaker-independent voice-interactive products, designing the world's first easy-to-use and low-cost voice-interactive mobile navigation system, enhancing the safety and convenience of consumers.
The company's management and engineering team focuses on the development of consumer applications for its patented voice-interactive technology.
Pronounced Technologies is located in Reseda.
Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten is a manufacturer of mobile audio components for OEM and aftermarket applications and motoronics for OEM. Eclipse, the aftermarket brand of Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten, is a full line of award-winning high-performance mobile audio products including CD players, cassette decks, amplifiers and speakers.
Eclipse products are distributed exclusively through the specialty retail channel of distribution. Eclipse by Fujitsu Ten is based in Torrance, Calif.