Pronounced Tech Launches 100% Voice-Interactive GPS Navigation System
19 August 1999
Pronounced Technologies Launches World's First 100 Percent Voice-Interactive GPS Navigation System
RESEDA, Calif.--Aug. 18, 1999--Hands-Free Navigation, Telephone Use, Audio Operation and More
Pronounced Technologies, LLC has shipped its first voice-interactive operating software to audio system manufacturer Eclipse(TM) by Fujitsu Ten(TM) for the launch of their new Eclipse Commander.
The Eclipse Commander allows for complete voice-control of GPS navigation, CD player and radio functioning, and in-vehicle electronics operation. Fujitsu Ten will ship the Commander to retail outlets later this month.
Pronounced Technologies' voice-interactive software consists of CD-ROMs that carry out voice commands and store an extensive mapping database for GPS and non-GPS navigation systems. Drivers using the Commander can retrieve directions to anywhere within the United States by simply giving verbal prompts. Turn by turn spoken directions are given back by the Commander within seconds; drivers never have to take hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. The Commander's software also enables hands-free cellular phone operation, CD player and radio control, and on-board electronics operation, including power windows, trunk opening, and alarm setting.
"Our technology has taken Eclipse's audio systems to a level unheard of in the navigation and car audio industry," said Zaya Younan, president and chief executive officer of Pronounced Technologies. "Drivers cannot only enjoy easy and accurate voice-controlled navigation, but can use their voice to accomplish almost every in-vehicle electronic function. These interfaces make the Eclipse Commander the world's first hands-free, completely voice-interactive vehicle integration system that is certain to revolutionize the navigation and audio industry."
"The Eclipse Commander's voice-interactive technology lets the driver keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while utilizing the navigation system," said Isao Suzuki, executive vice president, Eclipse. "All you have to do is drive and the Commander takes care of everything else while you enjoy Eclipse car audio's excellent sound quality. We believe the combination of the two companies' technologies will allow us to add more features to our audio system in the near future," added Suzuki.
The Eclipse Commander module (model 9002) contains a voice-recognition processing chip, also supplied by Pronounced Technologies, that features a complex spell-checking system, rejection of out-of-vocabulary words, and high noise robustness. It also enables the in-vehicle systems to respond to different voices (speaker independent), regardless of variable speech patterns, dialects, etc.
Fujitsu Ten's Eclipse Commander is designed for use with E-COM-ready CD players (models 5506, 5504, and 5443). Complete Commander systems, including CD player, are priced under $1,000 suggested retail price. An optional GPS unit for navigation carries a suggested retail price of $219. All Eclipse Commander voice-interactive systems will be available at car audio and consumer electronics specialty retailers.
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 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.
Pronounced Technologies is a leading developer and manufacturer of speaker-independent voice-interactive products and software, designing the world's first easy-to-use and low-cost voice-interactive mobile navigation system and a software solution enabling in-vehicle hands-free audio control and telephone use, enhancing the safety and convenience of consumers. The company's management and engineering team focuses on the development of consumer applications for their patented voice-interactive technology. Pronounced Technologies is located in Reseda. For more company information, visit www.pronounced.com.