Microsoft Gives Mobile Devices a New Voice

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 3, 2003 — Microsoft Corp. today unveiled its first voice-controlled software for Windows Mobile™ based Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition, making consumers’ wishes their command. Microsoft ® Voice Command transforms PDAs and cell phones into virtual personal assistants by allowing consumers to experience effortless, speaker-independent, hands-free voice interaction with their phone, contacts, calendar and digital music while on the go. Voice Command moves the company one step closer to putting the digital lifestyle within reach.

Voice Command turns up the volume on today’s speech-recognition technology, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with their Pocket PC. Whether users are phoning a friend from behind the wheel, checking appointments while running errands or listening to music on the treadmill, Voice Command makes it easier, simpler and more convenient than ever for them to take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go.

“Microsoft’s Voice Command sets a new standard in voice-controlled applications for mobile devices,”
said Dale Coffing, editor in chief of PocketPCPassion.com.
“The out-of-the-box experience for making phone calls, hearing the details of upcoming appointments and listening to music is superb. Being able to use my Pocket PC so easily while driving my car or just walking down the street is phenomenal.”

Voice Command uses Microsoft’s next-generation phonetic speech-recognition technology, the result of 10 years of research, to make speech interaction simple, intuitive and practical. While most voice-controlled software applications today require people to deliver unnatural and prerecorded verbal commands, Voice Command allows them to use natural language to go directly to what’s most important in a matter of seconds. 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, saying 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 can also simply say,
    “Play music,”
    using Voice Command as their personal disc jockey.

  • Voice-controlled application launcher. Consumers can open Pocket PC applications with ease using natural voice cues to launch any program, including Internet Explorer, Outlook® Calendar, Contacts and Tasks, games and Calculator. For example, a consumer can say
    “Start Solitaire,”
    and let the games begin.

“Voice Command provides a significant improvement in speech software that is dramatically changing the way people will forever use their mobile devices,”
said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president for Mobile and Embedded Devices and Network Service Providers at Microsoft.
“The product is a great example of how we’re driving synergies between our platforms and devices business to create more powerful mobile experiences for our customers.”

Automotive Business Unit Turns Up the Volume on Voice-Controlled Software

Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit developed Voice Command to address consumers’ need to be safely connected while on the go. People want access to their personalized information, regardless of location, and research supports this trend. A recent survey revealed that 85 percent of U.S. cell phone owners and 50 percent of PDA owners use their devices while in the car.*

“We’ve been focused on providing improved communication, entertainment and information to drivers and passengers for the past decade,”
said Dick Brass, corporate vice president of Automotive Technologies at Microsoft.
“No other company has the expertise and technical tools to provide a simple solution like Voice Command to the thousands who need safer, more convenient access to their personalized information both inside and outside the car.”

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® 3.7 technology

  • Microsoft Windows® XP, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition or Windows 98 Second Edition operating system

  • CD-ROM drive

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 the company’s 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 17 car models from eight manufacturers: BMW, Citro
ë
n, Fiat, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) 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.

* February 2003 Market Facts U.S. survey, sponsored by Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit

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.

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 .

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