Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Samsung submits patent application for speech-recognizing robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/samsung-patent-application-speech-recognizing-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/samsung-patent-application-speech-recognizing-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/samsung-patent-application-speech-recognizing-robot/#comments Samsung submits patent application for speech-recognizing robot

Samsung will soon launch its Siri-style S Voice software on the Galaxy S III, but in the more distant future it could bring speech recognition technology to standalone robots. A patent application from the company details an automaton that can adjust its voice detection capabilities to account for ambient noise, letting it recognize when people are talking even in loud locations. It remains unclear just what the robot will do for you once it hears your commands -- maybe it will be on call for cooking you dinner and the like. Judging by that pic, at least, the concept looks like a good time for all involved.

Samsung submits patent application for speech-recognizing robot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galaxy s iiiGalaxySIiipatentpatent applicationpatent applicationsPatentApplicationPatentApplicationspatentsrobotRobotss voicesamsungsamsung galaxy s iiiSamsung patentsamsung patent applicationsamsung s voiceSamsungGalaxySIiiSamsungPatentSamsungPatentApplicationSamsungSVoiceSIRISVoicevoice controlvoice controlsvoice recognitionvoice recognition robotVoiceControlVoiceControlsVoiceRecognitionVoiceRecognitionRobotThu, 24 May 2012 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Drive! lets you take the wheel, while Nuance takes dictation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dragon-drive-lets-you-take-the-wheel-while-nuance-takes-dictat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dragon-drive-lets-you-take-the-wheel-while-nuance-takes-dictat/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dragon-drive-lets-you-take-the-wheel-while-nuance-takes-dictat/#comments Image

Do you like your cars smart? Are you itching to drive something a bit more K.I.T.T. than KIA? Well, this summer the glory of your Hasselhoff-soaked, '80s dreams will become reality, thanks to the folks at Nuance. Utilizing the same natural-language voice software currently employed across select mobile phones and TV sets, the outfit's hatched a new platform, dubbed Dragon Drive!, specifically for connected autos. The hands-free tech will support six languages at launch, with more to come throughout the year, giving drivers the ability to dictate texts and emails, as well as manage multimedia and navigation without ever lifting a finger from the wheel. So far, the company hasn't outed any initial partners for the voice recognition service. But if you're in the market for a high-end vehicle and your very own virtual Synergy, rest assured, your needs are going to be met. Hit up the break for the official presser and video tour.

Continue reading Dragon Drive! lets you take the wheel, while Nuance takes dictation

Dragon Drive! lets you take the wheel, while Nuance takes dictation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connected carconnected carsConnectedCarConnectedCarsDragon DictationDragon DriveDragonDictationDragonDriveNuancesmart carsmart carsSmartCarSmartCarsvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionTue, 22 May 2012 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuance takes credit for voice features inside Samsung's 2012 Smart TV lineup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/nuance-dragon-in-samsung-2012-smart-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/nuance-dragon-in-samsung-2012-smart-tvs/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/10/nuance-dragon-in-samsung-2012-smart-tvs/#comments Nuance takes credit for voice features inside Samsung's 2012 Smart TV lineup

Back at this year's eventful CES, Nuance announced it was launching a platform to bring voice recognition services to connected TVs, among other devices. Now, just a few months later, the communications outfit's taking credit for the voice features packed inside Sammy's 2012 Smart TVs. Essentially, this means those speaking commands used to control the Smart Hub, applications like Skype and even web surfing are all powered by Nuance's Dragon technology. The move itself isn't a surprising one, given Nuance's credibility within the industry. So, now you know who's making it all happen the next time you're telling that ES8000 what to do.

Continue reading Nuance takes credit for voice features inside Samsung's 2012 Smart TV lineup

Nuance takes credit for voice features inside Samsung's 2012 Smart TV lineup originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 May 2012 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragondragon voice technologyDragonVoiceTechnologyhdpostmininuanceNuance Communicationsnuance dragon technologyNuanceCommunicationsNuanceDragonTechnologysamsungSamsung Smart TVsamsung smart tvsSamsungSmartTvSamsungSmartTvssmart appssmart hubsmart tvsmart tvsSmartAppsSmartHubSmartTvSmartTvsvoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionThu, 10 May 2012 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[QNX's Watson-connected Porsche 911, hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/qnxs-watson-connected-porsche-911-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/qnxs-watson-connected-porsche-911-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/qnxs-watson-connected-porsche-911-hands-on/#comments QNX's Watson-connected Porsche 911, butts-on

Remember that QNX-loaded Porsche 911 we sat down with (in?) at CES? Well, it's back and it learned a few new tricks en route to New Amsterdam York City. The car-friendly software company got its hooks into AT&T's Watson Speech API and used it to power a new voice-command system for it's own take on the "virtual assistant." Using the new speech recognition tool and Ma Bell's LTE network QNX was able to pull up websites, find a Starbucks (though, in New York City you'd have to be blind to not find one) and place calls. All in all, the demo wasn't too different from what we saw in Vegas in January -- in fact, we wouldn't be surprised to find out that Porsche was also utilizing Watson, long before it was announced. For a familiar, but still interesting demo, check out the video after the break.

Gallery: QNX's Watson-connected Porsche 911

Continue reading QNX's Watson-connected Porsche 911, hands-on (video)

QNX's Watson-connected Porsche 911, hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiATTBlackberryhands-onLTEPorscheporsche 911Porsche911QNXspeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionwatsonwatson speech apiWatsonSpeechApiThu, 19 Apr 2012 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri sort-of comes to the new iPad, does voice dictation only]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/siri-sort-of-comes-to-the-new-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/siri-sort-of-comes-to-the-new-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/siri-sort-of-comes-to-the-new-ipad/#comments Ever since Siri showed up on the iPhone 4S, she's been put to work in a variety of non-Apple approved ways and unofficially ported to other iDevices, including the iPad. Now Apple's next-gen iPad has made its auspicious debut in San Francisco with a splash of Siri on board. It's not the full voice assistant, but the new tablet does have voice dictation software that supports US English, British, Australian, French, German and Japanese. Not only that, but the dictation feature is available in third-party apps as well, so you'll be able to speak your tweets and status updates on Apple's new slate.

For more coverage of Apple's iPad event, visit our hub!

Siri sort-of comes to the new iPad, does voice dictation only originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple ipad 2sapple ipad 3apple ipad hdAppleIpad2sAppleIpad3AppleIpadHdiosipadipad 2012ipad 3ipad hdIpad2012Ipad3IpadHdsirivoicevoice controlvoice dictationvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceDictationVoiceRecognitionWed, 07 Mar 2012 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Patent application hints at Voice Actions for Google TV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/patent-application-hints-at-voice-actions-for-google-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/patent-application-hints-at-voice-actions-for-google-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/21/patent-application-hints-at-voice-actions-for-google-tv/#comments Google TV Voice ActionsAndroid on your phone can send texts, perform searches, set alarms and execute plenty of other tasks with little more than a simple voice command. Google TV is, for all intents and purposes, just Android blown up to fill your 42-inch TV -- so it would only make sense that Voice Actions might one day come to the Mountain View-branded set top solution. Well, a patent application filed back in September hints that just such a thing is on its way. Rather than require new hardware though, an Android phone would act as an intermediary, passing commands to the Google TV device. An added bonus to being able to ask your TV "when is Seinfeld on?" is that, since the phone is actually passing on the instructions, you can control your set remotely. As an example the filing suggests using GPS to determine when a user is within a quarter mile of their home, then turning on the TV and tuning in to whatever station happens to be airing The Soup Nazi. Hit up the source for all the details.

Patent application hints at Voice Actions for Google TV originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidgoogleGoogle TVGoogle Voice ActionsGoogleTvGoogleVoiceActionshdpostcrossremotesearchVoice Actionsvoice recognitionVoiceActionsVoiceRecognitionTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[VoiceUtils makes your iPhone 4S wish into a Siri command (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/voiceutils-makes-your-iphone-4s-wish-into-a-siri-command-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/voiceutils-makes-your-iphone-4s-wish-into-a-siri-command-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/voiceutils-makes-your-iphone-4s-wish-into-a-siri-command-video/#comments In the event you haven't tired of Siri hacks, here comes yet another unintended use of the ole robo-handmaiden. This time, however, her jailbroken powers of automation are strictly for vanilla iOS purposes, so you won't find any demonstrations of car stereo or TV channel changing here. Instead, recently liberated iPhone 4S owners can look forward to a software package called VoiceUtils, available through Cydia, that allows Cupertino's best gal to open first- and third-party apps, unlock your phone (barring password protection) and even reboot. See? It's not exactly the most exciting exploit of Apple's much-touted software, but it is resoundingly practical. If you haven't taken a swig of greenpois0n's Absinthe just yet and are keen to extend your iDevice's voice recognition functionality, now might be the time to drink deeply.

Continue reading VoiceUtils makes your iPhone 4S wish into a Siri command (video)

VoiceUtils makes your iPhone 4S wish into a Siri command (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleCydiahackiPhone 4SIphone4sjailbreakjailbrokenmobilepostminiSirivideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 23 Jan 2012 23:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel partnering with Nuance to bring voice recognition to Ultrabooks]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/intel-partnering-with-nuance-to-bring-voice-regonition-to-ultrab/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/intel-partnering-with-nuance-to-bring-voice-regonition-to-ultrab/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/intel-partnering-with-nuance-to-bring-voice-regonition-to-ultrab/#comments
So far in the last hour, we've learned that future Ultrabooks will have NFC, possibly larger screens and touchscreens (maybe even touch-enabled palm rests). Well, we've got one more marquee feature to add to the list: Intel just announced that it's partnering with Nuance to bring voice recognition to Ultrabooks. And it sounds like Intel's vision is comprehensive: the company envisions consumers being able to launch applications, compose emails, update social networks and control media playback. During the keynote, Intel PC client head Mooly Eden even said he would one day like to speak to the computer and have this words appear in a different language. Will that be a feature in the 1.0 product? We'll have to see when it starts hitting Ultrabooks later this year.

Billy Steele contributed to this report.

Continue reading Intel partnering with Nuance to bring voice recognition to Ultrabooks

Intel partnering with Nuance to bring voice recognition to Ultrabooks originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012Mooly EdenMoolyEdennuanceultrabookultrabooksvoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 09 Jan 2012 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/LG-magic-remote-smart-tv-cinema-3d/#comments LG whipped out the magic wand at CES this morning, with the announcement of an enhanced Magic Remote. With this new tool, users will be able to control their Cinema 3D Smart TVs with an expanded set of functions, including voice recognition, a "wheel" function, "magic" gestures and pointing. Expanding beyond the realm of simple push-button functionality, the Magic Remote's voice recognition capabilities allow viewers to enter text and other commands without even lifting a finger, while its wheel, perched at the center of the device, allows them to seamlessly scroll up and down their TVs as they would on a PC. Alternatively, users could simply point the Remote at their displays to move their onscreen cursors around the screen, or input gesture commands to control their Smart TVs with their arms or wrists. The device also features a dedicated button that allows users to instantly convert 2D to 3D, and can be used to control set-top boxes, as well. No word yet on pricing or availability, but you can head past the break for more details in the full PR.

Continue reading LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets

LG waves its wand, unveils Magic Remote for Cinema 3D sets originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012Cinema 3Dcinema 3d smart tvCinema3dCinema3dSmartTvcontroldisplaygesturehdpostcrossLG Magic RemoteLgMagicRemoteperipheralsmart tvSmartTvtelevisionTVvoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuance's Dragon TV offers voice recognition platform for connected televisions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/nuance-dragon-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/nuance-dragon-tv/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/nuance-dragon-tv/#commentsNuance isn't skipping a beat in Las Vegas, as the speech recognition company is busy launching a brand new platform that focuses on bringing its technology to connected TVs. According to the company, the platform, called Dragon TV, can be used to build customized voice and touch apps that run on televisions, set-top boxes, phones and tablets. Essentially, the technology will allow the viewer to use their voice to conduct searches, send messages and access plenty of other features, and mobile devices can be used to act as a remote to control the TV. Nuance's new platform is available now for OEMs, developers and operators to take advantage of, and supports Linux, Android and iOS as well as all major TV, set-top box and remote control standards. Head past the break for the full press release, and make your way to the company's site below to get more details.

Continue reading Nuance's Dragon TV offers voice recognition platform for connected televisions

Nuance's Dragon TV offers voice recognition platform for connected televisions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connected tvConnectedTvdragondragon tvDragonTvmobilepostcrossnuanceplatformset-top boxSet-topBoxspeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuance gobbles up Vlingo, yearns to transcribe its own announcement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/nuance-gobbles-up-vlingo-yearns-to-transcribe-its-own-announcem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/nuance-gobbles-up-vlingo-yearns-to-transcribe-its-own-announcem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/nuance-gobbles-up-vlingo-yearns-to-transcribe-its-own-announcem/#comments Apparently, if you can't (legally) beat them, you buy them. Such is the thinking over at Nuance, who has decided to acquire its competitor and former courtroom dance partner, Vlingo. Should make for some nice additions to the former's voice recognition tubes -- technology which powers everything from Apple's Siri, Dragon dictation and even various autos. No indications as to how many greenbacks exchanged hands, but the newlyweds were happy to boast their "complementary research and development efforts" will result in a company "stronger together than alone." We'll have to see about that. PR after the break.

Continue reading Nuance gobbles up Vlingo, yearns to transcribe its own announcement

Nuance gobbles up Vlingo, yearns to transcribe its own announcement originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbuyoutlawsuitnuanceNuance CommunicationsNuanceCommunicationsspeechspeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvlingovoicevoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionWed, 21 Dec 2011 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/#comments The next version of each smartphone's operating system is always the best. We impatiently wait for the latest and greatest firmware to come around, expecting it to liberate us from the shackles of last year's code and features that haven't shown up yet. This happens incessantly with Google's Android OS, and version 4.0 -- unveiled at this year's I/O conference in May -- is no different. Known as Ice Cream Sandwich (referred to henceforth as ICS), the last word in the title indicates the merging of Gingerbread, the most recent phone platform, and Honeycomb, the version optimized for use on tablets. We knew this much, but were otherwise left with conjecture as to how the company planned to accomplish such a feat -- and what else the new iteration had in store.

But now the time of reckoning is upon us, and the Samsung Galaxy Nexus -- Android 4.0's mother ship -- is slowly spreading across the globe, its users being treated to this year's smartphone dessert. ICS is one of the largest and most important upgrades we've witnessed from Android since its humble beginnings, making a huge change in user experience as well as a massive number of bullet points on the list of features. Now that we've had the opportunity to take it for a spin, where does it stand in the ranks of mobile operating systems? Follow us beneath as we dig into the layers of this sweet sandwich.

Continue reading Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich review

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0Android4.0autocorrectface unlockfacebookFaceUnlockgmailgoogleice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsincognitomobilepostcrosspeoplereviewspellchecktext inputTextInputtwittervideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionThu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/#comments The great thinkers of the world have long known a secret that we're now happy to disclose: it's not necessity that's the mother invention, but rather laziness. Fortunately, expending a great deal of effort on a project -- simply to perform a task effortlessly -- sometimes brings very cool results. A concept app known as ZuneVoice easily passes muster in this realm, which is used to control Zune software on the PC with only a standard microphone and spoken commands. As you can see in the demo video, its creator, keyboardp, is able to play individual songs, issue commands such a "pause" or "next song", and even display full-screen music videos from YouTube. The developer even crafted an app for his Lumia 800 known as PhoneZune, which serves as a remote control for times when he's away from the box. Neither application is yet publicly available, though feedback is welcome. Next, we're told to expect Kinect integration. Perhaps one day, these gems will see the light of day.

Continue reading Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)

Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappshackhackskeyboardpkinectlumia 800Lumia800microsoftmobilepostcrossmusicnokiapcphonezunespeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoicevoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionwindowswindows phoneWindowsPhoneyoutubezunezunevoiceTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Jailbroken iOS 5 devices get Siri0us, tap into Nuance's dictation servers (video) (update)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/jailbroken-ios-5-devices-get-siri0us-tap-into-nuances-dictatio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/jailbroken-ios-5-devices-get-siri0us-tap-into-nuances-dictatio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/jailbroken-ios-5-devices-get-siri0us-tap-into-nuances-dictatio/#comments Sure, it's leaps and bounds away from all the parlor tricks that Siri is able to perform, but now, jailbroken iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch devices -- that have been upgraded to iOS 5 -- may access the dictation portion of Siri's prowess. Thanks to Siri0us, the free app available through Cydia, users will gain the option to speak messages and search queries rather than type them, which could be a huge time saver -- unless there's a series of mistakes, anyway. Rather than accessing Apple's own system, the app works by tapping into Nuance's Dragon Go servers for speech recognition. Rather subversive, don't you think? If you'd like to get in on the fun (before Nuance breaks up the party), just check the video following the break.

Update: Well, who didn't see this one coming? Nuance has pulled the rug out from under Siri0us, and the app has been yanked from Cydia while the developer searches for another speech recognition server. Happy hunting, dude.

Continue reading Jailbroken iOS 5 devices get Siri0us, tap into Nuance's dictation servers (video) (update)

Jailbroken iOS 5 devices get Siri0us, tap into Nuance's dictation servers (video) (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleappscydiadictationdragon goDragonGoif0rceiosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 3gsiphone 4Iphone3gsIphone4ipodipod touchIpodTouchjailbreakjailbreakingjailbrokenmobilepostcrossnuancesirisiri0usspeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionTue, 29 Nov 2011 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/#comments That Siri gal is certainly making the rounds these days. When she's not answering your questions on a 4S, she's showing up on iPads and elder iPhones. Not one to play favorites, Siri's now lending her considerable talents to an iPod touch. Two enterprising young hackers, euwars and rud0lf77, are the ones who put Siri on the iPod, and you can see the results of their labor in the video after the break. Of course, Apple's servers still aren't as friendly as the virtual voice assistant, so Siri's latest cameo remains a silent one -- but some Siri's better than none, right?

Continue reading Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family

Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleassistanthackhackerhackinghacksiosios 5Ios5ipodipod touchIpodTouchportsirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistantvideovoice commandvoice commandsvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceCommandsVoiceRecognitionTue, 25 Oct 2011 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri ported to iPad, still getting silent treatment from Apple servers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/#comments
Developers wasted no time bringing Siri to the iPhone 4, and nine days later, it's been brought to the iPad as well. This version, running on a first-generation jailbroken Apple tablet, suffers from a similar problem as past non-iPhone 4S ports: it's still not talking to Apple's data servers. This means that until devs manage to get voice commands recognized and initiated, the iPad's unofficial virtual assistant will remain effectively gagged.

Siri ported to iPad, still getting silent treatment from Apple servers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sappleassistantdeveloperhackhackerhackinghacksiOS 5Ios5ipadiPad iOS 5IpadIos5iphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4sjailbreakjailbrokenportportssirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistantvideovoice commandsvoice recognitionVoiceCommandsVoiceRecognitionMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri gets lost internationally, promises to do better next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-gets-lost-internationally-promises-to-do-better-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-gets-lost-internationally-promises-to-do-better-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-gets-lost-internationally-promises-to-do-better-next-year/#comments Siri gets lost internationally, promises to do better next year The iPhone 4S' Siri integration may be a potential game changer, but she's not quite the world traveler some of us would like her to be. In fact, it seems she's as lost outside of US borders as any unprepared tourist. Looking for a pub in London? Better find a traditional map. Need to know the time of day in Canada? Siri admits she has no idea, go buy a watch. Business search (via Yelp), directions, and traffic data search all appear to be US-only features for now, and Wolfram Alpha only works in English-speaking countries. The automated assistant's international failings aren't too big of a surprise, however -- Apple's own Siri page outs the service as a beta, noting that some features may vary by area. Stuck with sub-par international support? Sit tight, it's coming: Apple's Siri FAQ states that additional language support (including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Italian and Spanish), maps and local search content are set to go international in 2012.

Update: Wolfram Alpha works outside the US in English speaking countries, thanks to everyone in the comments for the clarification.

Siri gets lost internationally, promises to do better next year originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4Sapplegame changerGameChangeriosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 4sIphone4slanguageslocationlocation servicesLocationServicessirivoicevoice controlvoice integrationvoice navigationvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceIntegrationVoiceNavigationVoiceRecognitionWolfram AlphaWolframAlphayelpSat, 15 Oct 2011 20:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/#comments Apple's iPhone 4 may not have the fancy dual core CPU of its successor, but thanks to the efforts of developer Steven Troughton-Smith and the folks at 9to5 Mac, it may soon have Siri. The port of the sultry voice assistant was accomplished by using the 4S Siri and Springboard files, and some serious elbow grease, no doubt. As you can see in the video below, it's far from perfect, but it can recognize spoken commands without issue. Currently, the hack is missing an iPhone 4 GPU driver that keeps things running buttery smooth on the elder phone, and Cupertino won't authenticate Siri's commands coming from it either. So, it isn't quite ready for primetime, but it should only be a matter of time before all you iPhone 4 owners can tell Siri what to do, too.

Update: And in the space of just a few hours, Mr. Troughton-Smith has already managed to improve performance of the app on the iPhone 4 significantly, although Apple's servers are still unreachable. Check out a newer YouTube video showing off some seriously smooth scrolling action after the break. [Thanks, Ramzi]

Continue reading Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!)

Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sapplehackhackerhackinghacksiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4smobilepostcrossportportssiriSteven Troughton-SmithStevenTroughton-smithvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionSat, 15 Oct 2011 01:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Translate for Android gets v2.2 update, adds more language support for speech-to-speech]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/google-translate-for-android-gets-v2-2-update-adds-more-languag/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/google-translate-for-android-gets-v2-2-update-adds-more-languag/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/google-translate-for-android-gets-v2-2-update-adds-more-languag/#comments
Let the voice recognition battle begin! Siri's already thrown the first punch in the soon-to-be dicey (albeit very consumer friendly) voice service wars, but don't count Google out just yet. The folks over at Mountain View are doing their best to strike back, adding extra functionality to the Google Translate app for Android. So, what's new in this version 2.2 upgrade? The company's expanded the app's previously limited speech-to-speech repertoire with support for an additional 12 languages, accessible via the alpha-tagged Conversation Mode. And to prevent you from any awkward (and potentially hilarious) moments of unintended translation, there's now a post-edit ability to keep those two-way foreign exchanges PG. Alright, so it's not quite the hands-free, HAL-like cyber assistant update we'd like it to be, but there's always Ice Cream Sandwich for that -- we hope. In the meantime, go ahead and hit up the source below to test out the experimental wares for yourself or check out a video demo of Conversation Mode after the break.

Continue reading Google Translate for Android gets v2.2 update, adds more language support for speech-to-speech

Google Translate for Android gets v2.2 update, adds more language support for speech-to-speech originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaandroidconversation modeConversationModeenglishgooglegoogle androidgoogle translateGoogleAndroidGoogleTranslatemobilepostcrosstranslatetranslationupdateupgradevideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionThu, 13 Oct 2011 19:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/#comments Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a new slate of Xbox Live partnerships with Verizon, Comcast, and a host of other content providers. Now, the company has unveiled new details about the code upon which these new apps will run. Sources close to the situation tell GigaOM that the new framework, code-named "Lakeview," will be based on Silverlight, but will also bring a few new features from Xbox Kinect, including voice recognition and gesture-based controls. More intriguing, perhaps, are insider claims that Microsoft's new content partners stream video using Apple's HTTP Live Streaming, rather than Redmond's Smooth Streaming. GigaOM's sources went on to say that Microsoft has been introducing major changes to the platform over the past few weeks, in the hopes of having it ready for third-party developers once the Xbox Live update rolls out. Spokespersons for Xbox and Silverlight said they have "nothing to announce" about the new framework, though GigaOM reports that Redmond is aiming to release the update on Black Friday.

Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationBlack FridayBlackFridaycodecomcastcontentframeworkgestureGesture ControlGestureControlhbo goHboGohdpostcrossHLShttp live streamingHttpLiveStreamingkinectlakeviewmicrosoftproviderrumorsilverlightSmooth StreamingSmoothStreamingverizonvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360xbox kinectxbox livexbox live updateXbox360XboxKinectXboxLiveXboxLiveUpdateMon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/xbox-live-fall-2011-dashboard-update-preview-bing-search-voice/#comments Autumn is fast approaching -- and you know what that means: it's round about time for an Xbox Dashboard update. Sure, we got a peek of Microsoft's upcoming harvest back at E3, but the good folks from Redmond invited us to take a closer look at what they're calling the "most significant update to the Dashboard since NXE." Senior project Manager Terry Ferrell was on-site to walk us through an early engineering beta and show us how an updated Metro UI, Bing search and deeper Kinect integration is going to change the way folks manage their entertainment content.

Continue reading Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul

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Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bingbing searchBingSearchdashboarddashboard updateDashboardUpdateFacebookfall dashboard updatefall dashboard update 2011FallDashboardUpdateFallDashboardUpdate2011gaminghdpostcrossimpressionskinectMetroMetro UIMetroUiMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoftKinectMinority ReportnatalpreviewStar Trekvideo gamesVideoGamesvoicevoice controlvoice controlledvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceControlledVoiceRecognitionWindows PhoneWindowsPhonexboxxbox 360xbox dashboardxbox livexbox live dashboardxbox live dashboard updateXbox-360Xbox360XboxDashboardXboxLiveXboxLiveDashboardXboxLiveDashboardUpdateZuneFri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/new-york-times-magic-mirror-helps-you-get-dressed-puts-the-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/new-york-times-magic-mirror-helps-you-get-dressed-puts-the-wa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/new-york-times-magic-mirror-helps-you-get-dressed-puts-the-wa/#comments Forget crosswords and Krugman, because the New York Times has created a new bathroom companion that looks infinitely more entertaining than either of them. Like some of its Snow White-style predecessors, the Times' "magic mirror" prototype uses Microsoft Kinect to detect and follow your movements, while deploying voice recognition technology to execute your commands. With this omniscient slab affixed to your wall, you can surf the web, flip through your wardrobe and send reassuring e-mails to your teenage daughter, whom you should have driven to school a good 30 minutes ago. An RFID reader, meanwhile, can recognize tagged pharmaceuticals or other products, allowing you to instantly access information on your prescription meds by placing them in front of the reflective LCD. You could also use the mirror to browse through the Times' full slate of articles and video content, meaning you can read about extravagant weekend getaways and urban gentrification from the standing comfort of your sink. Unfortunately for all mankind, the magic mirror is still in the prototype phase and the NYT's Research & Development Group has yet to offer a timetable for its release -- but you can see it in action for yourself, after the break.

Continue reading New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video)

New York Times' magic mirror helps you get dressed, puts the 'wall' in 'paywall' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bathroomemailLCDmagicmagic mirrorMagicMirrormicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmirrormotion sensorMotionSensornew york timesnewsNewYorkTimesnytproof of conceptProofOfConceptresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopmentrfidrfid readerRfidReaderthe new york timesTheNewYorkTimesvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionMon, 05 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patent application imagines iPhones that learn the sweet sound of your voice]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/apple-patent-application-imagines-iphones-that-learn-the-sweet-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/apple-patent-application-imagines-iphones-that-learn-the-sweet-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/26/apple-patent-application-imagines-iphones-that-learn-the-sweet-s/#comments
Button-loathing Apple really wants people to stop dirtying its devices with sticky fingerprints. That's why it's applied for a patent that should improve the frustrating experience of using iOS's voice control -- precisely the kind of update we've been awaiting since Apple bought Siri last year. With the help of a technology billed as "User profiling for voice input processing," your device would identify your voice, check against a library of words associated with you without having to trawl through its entire dictionary. We just hope Apple doesn't do away with physical inputs entirely -- we'd hate to broadcast to the world all the guilty pleasures we have loaded on our iPods.

Apple patent application imagines iPhones that learn the sweet sound of your voice originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple PatentApplePatentiOSiOS 4iOS 5Ios4Ios5iPadiPhoneiPodmobilepostcrossmobilepostminiPatentpatent applicationPatentApplicationPatentsUser Profiling for voice input processingUserProfilingForVoiceInputProcessingUSPTOVoiceVoice CommandVoice Commandsvoice identificationVoice RecognitionVoiceCommandVoiceCommandsVoiceIdentificationVoiceRecognitionFri, 26 Aug 2011 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer solicits Whodoo guinea pigs for speech-based Android assistant (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pioneer-solicits-whodoo-guinea-pigs-for-speech-based-android-ass/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pioneer-solicits-whodoo-guinea-pigs-for-speech-based-android-ass/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/pioneer-solicits-whodoo-guinea-pigs-for-speech-based-android-ass/#comments Ever wish you could have a personal attendant living inside your Android smartphone? You know... one you can boss around without incurring human rights or labor law violations? Apparently Pioneer shares your vision, because its voice-controlled social assistant named Whodoo is seemingly ready to "hop to" at a moment's notice -- willing to locate a restaurant and send it to friends, route the appropriate directions, and announce your intentions to Facebook or Twitter -- all based on your verbal commands (and ostensibly perfect for in-dash navigation). The company is seeking bossy applicants for its closed beta experiment, which involves completing a lengthy application, providing considerable feedback, and submitting audio samples that are gathered by Whodoo. Think you've got the chops? Just follow the source, where you're free to convince Pioneer of the same.

Continue reading Pioneer solicits Whodoo guinea pigs for speech-based Android assistant (video)

Pioneer solicits Whodoo guinea pigs for speech-based Android assistant (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsassistantbetafacebookgooglelocationmapmapsmobilenavigationpioneersearchsocialsocial networkingSocialNetworkingspeechspeech recognitionspeech to textSpeechRecognitionSpeechToTexttwittervoicevoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionwhodooWed, 13 Jul 2011 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7.5 Mango in-depth preview (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/windows-phone-7-5-mango-in-depth-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/windows-phone-7-5-mango-in-depth-preview-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/27/windows-phone-7-5-mango-in-depth-preview-video/#comments
Make no mistake, Microsoft isn't playing coy in the smartphone market any longer. The folks in Redmond are making a significant jump forward in the mobile arena, announcing that the upcoming version of Windows Phone, codenamed "Mango," will be heading to a device near you in time for the holidays. As its competitors have raised the bar of expectations to a much higher level, Microsoft followed suit by adding at least 500 features to its mobile investment, which the company hopes will plug all of the gaping holes the first two versions left open.

We received a Samsung Focus preloaded with the most recent developer build (read: not even close to the market release version) and we had a few good days to put it through its paces. It's still far from completion, as there were several key features that we couldn't test out; some weren't fully implemented, and others involved third-party apps that won't be updated until closer to launch. Yet we don't want to call this build half-baked -- in fact, it was surprisingly smooth for software that still has at least four months to go before it's available for public consumption.

At the risk of sounding ridiculously obvious, we're mighty interested in seeing the final result when all is said and done this holiday season. As a disclaimer, we can't guarantee that the stuff we cover here will actually look or act the same when it's ready to peek out and make its official introduction in Q4; as often happens, features and UI enhancements are subject to be changed by the Windows Phone team as Mango gets closer and closer to release. Let's get straight to brass tacks, since there's a lot of details to dive into. It'd be best to grab a large beverage (we'd recommend a Big Gulp, at least), find your most comfortable chair, and meet us after the break.

Continue reading Windows Phone 7.5 Mango in-depth preview (video)

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango in-depth preview (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firmware updateFirmwareUpdateimpressionsmangomicrosoftmultitaskingnodopreviewreviewsoftware updateSoftwareUpdatespeech to textspeech-to-textSpeechToTextupdateupdatesvideovoicevoice navigationvoice recognitionVoiceNavigationVoiceRecognitionwindowswindows mangowindows mobilewindows phonewindows phone 7windows phone 7.5windows phone mangoWindowsMangoWindowsMobileWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7.5WindowsPhoneMangowp7Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Russian ATM uses voice analysis to tell when you're lying]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/russian-atm-uses-voice-analysis-to-tell-when-youre-lying/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/russian-atm-uses-voice-analysis-to-tell-when-youre-lying/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/11/russian-atm-uses-voice-analysis-to-tell-when-youre-lying/#commentsCredit card applications via automated teller are all the rage abroad these days. That's why Russia's Sberbank is using Speech Technology Center's voice recognition system in its new ATM to tell when you fudge your financials to get approved. Like a polygraph, the technology senses involuntary stress cues to ferret out fib-filled statements -- only instead of using wired sensors, it listens to your angst-ridden voice. Designed using samples from Russian police interrogation recordings where subjects were found to be lying, the system is able to detect the changes in speech patterns when a person isn't telling the truth. Of course, it's not completely accurate, so the biometric voice data is combined with credit history and other info before the ATM can crush an applicant's credit dreams. And to assuage the public's privacy concerns, patrons' voice prints will be kept on chips in their credit cards instead of a bank database. So, we don't have to worry about hackers stealing our biometric info, but we're slightly concerned that we'll no longer be able to deceive our robot overlords should the need arise.

Russian ATM uses voice analysis to tell when you're lying originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atmbiometricbiometricslie detectorLieDetectorpolygraphrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypserussiasberbankspeech technology centerSpeechTechnologyCentervoicevoice recognitionvoice-recognitionVoiceRecognitionSat, 11 Jun 2011 20:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/#comments Microsoft's E3 keynote may have exploded with deeper Kinect support, but nothing caught our eyes quite as sharply as Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's rifle-exploding Gunsmith demo. A Ubisoft representative showed us how it's done: separating your arms separates your deadly firearm into a gorgeous display of floating screws, components, and accessories, which can be effortlessly modified, swapped, and replaced with gesture and voice commands. Too picky to decide for yourself? Then don't: just tell Gunsmith what you're looking for. For instance, saying "Optimize for range" produces a weapon any sniper should be proud of -- even better, we found that commanding Gunsmith to "optimize for awesome" birthed a rifle (pictured above) sporting an underbarrel shotgun attachment. A gun attached to a gun? Yeah, that works. Weapons can be tested in Gunsmith's gesture-controlled firing range, an engaging shooting mode exclusive to the Gunsmith weapon editor and not usable in regular gameplay. Head past the break for a hands-on (figuratively speaking) video.

Continue reading Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)

Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3 2011E32011gaminggesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesGhost ReconGhost Recon: Future SoldierGhostReconGhostRecon:FutureSoldierhands freehands-onHandsFreekinectmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingUbisoftvideovideo gamesVideoGamesvoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaufr lets you shout searches, yell URLs at Chrome]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/chaufr-lets-you-shout-searches-yell-urls-at-chrome/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/chaufr-lets-you-shout-searches-yell-urls-at-chrome/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/chaufr-lets-you-shout-searches-yell-urls-at-chrome/#comments Chaufr Generally, shouting commands at the internet isn't going to get you very far but, if you're just yelling a few destinations and search terms, Chrome extension Chaufr can take you where you need to go. A previous add-on, Speechify, let you speak to fill input fields, but couldn't help you actually navigate the web. Chaufr, on the other hand, lets you simply say the magic word -- "Engadget" -- and it drops you right at our online doorstep. You can also use it to perform searches by saying Wikipedia, Google, Amazon, YouTube, or Yahoo followed by whatever it is you're looking for. It worked well enough in our brief hands-on, but we do have one nit to pick -- activating voice input requires you click on an icon in the tool bar then click on a microphone in the drop down menu. (Can't a brother get a keyboard shortcut?) You can try it out for yourself by clicking on the source link.

Chaufr lets you shout searches, yell URLs at Chrome originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onchaufrchromechromiumextensionspeechspeech recognitionspeechifySpeechRecognitionvoice controlvoice inputvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceInputVoiceRecognitionweb browsingWebBrowsingTue, 31 May 2011 10:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Garmin nuLink! 2390 torn apart by FCC, put back together again on US site]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/garmin-nulink-2390-torn-apart-by-fcc-put-back-together-again-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/garmin-nulink-2390-torn-apart-by-fcc-put-back-together-again-o/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/17/garmin-nulink-2390-torn-apart-by-fcc-put-back-together-again-o/#comments Garmin nuLink! 2390 Last week Garmin announced the latest member of its high-end GPS navigator family, the nuLink! 2390. Sadly, it was a Europe only affair, leaving American consumers wondering why the company was giving us the cold shoulder. (Whatever it was baby, we're sorry, come back.) Then we spotted an unnamed 4.3-inch Garmin making its way through the FCC that matches up quite nicely, size- and feature-wise, with the 2390. The newest nuLink-enabled device is even showing its face over at the company's US website (you really do love us!), though it's not available to order and you'll have to do some serious digging to unearth it. Whenever it does hit American shores you'll be able to pull in 3D traffic data and search Google thanks to its GSM radio and tether your phone to it using Bluetooth for hands-free calls. It also has voice recognition software so you can furiously bark commands at it when you miss a turn and a tracking feature for keeping tabs on unruly teens. If you're into seeing gadgets splayed open like an organ transplant patient check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Garmin NuLink 2390 at the FCC

Garmin nuLink! 2390 torn apart by FCC, put back together again on US site originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothconnected gpsConnectedGpsfccgarmingarmin nulinkGarmin NuLink 2390GarminNulinkGarminNulink2390gpsgsmnavigationnulinknulink 2390Nulink2390voice recognitionVoiceRecognitionTue, 17 May 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom sends HD Traffic update to all Live models, extends Traffic Manifesto to US (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/tomtom-sends-hd-traffic-update-to-all-live-models-extends-traff/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/tomtom-sends-hd-traffic-update-to-all-live-models-extends-traff/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/tomtom-sends-hd-traffic-update-to-all-live-models-extends-traff/#comments
TomTom CEO Harold Goddijn announced at a NYC event last night that the company's HD Traffic service, previously only included with the Go 2535 M Live, would be available on all U.S. Live models, including the Go 740 Live and XL 340 Live. Traffic updates will be one component of the subscription-based Live, which will also see a 50 percent price drop, to $60 per year. This is all part of TomTom's grand Traffic Manifesto, which aims to cut traffic by five percent overall. Achieving this rather lofty goal in the U.S. would require 10 percent of the country's drivers to be using Live, which transmits real-time traffic data using a dedicated AT&T SIM. The company says drivers using the service themselves can expect to see travel times reduced by up to 15 percent. Our commute often involves a pajama-clad hike from the bed to the desk, so if you're currently a subscriber who drives to work, let us know if Traffic is making a dent in your travels.

Continue reading TomTom sends HD Traffic update to all Live models, extends Traffic Manifesto to US (video)

TomTom sends HD Traffic update to all Live models, extends Traffic Manifesto to US (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2535autocarcar navigationCarNavigationcarscongestiongo 2535go 740Go 740 LiveGo2535Go740Go740LiveGPSgps navigationGpsNavigationHarold GoddijnHaroldGoddijnhd trafficHdTrafficmanifestomap shareMapSharenavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemPNDsatnavtomtomtomtom gotomtom Go 740tomtom go2535tomtom xl 340TomtomGoTomtomGo2535TomtomGo740TomtomXl340traffictraffic congestiontraffic manifestoTrafficCongestionTrafficManifestotransportationvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionxl 340XL 340 LiveXl340Xl340LiveThu, 12 May 2011 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 updates Bing to find music and barcodes, provide turn-by-turn directions and send speech-to-text SMS?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/08/windows-phone-7-updates-bing-to-find-music-and-barcodes-provide/#comments Developers are getting plenty of toys alongside Windows Phone 7's "Mango" release, but there may be extra baubles for regular users, too -- Microsoft will reportedly add a few features to Bing in the near future which could prove particularly useful. According to the latest episode of the Windows Phone Dev Podcast -- which hosted Microsoft's Brandon Watson as a guest -- a new function called Bing Audio will act like a Shazam for recognizing music (and will sell you Zune tracks) while Bing Vision will use your smartphone's camera to read barcodes and do optical character recognition, plus potentially provide support for augmented reality apps. There's also allegedly turn-by-turn voice directions for Bing Maps and a native podcast player, and one more potentially exciting thing -- voice-to-text for sending SMS messages without lifting a finger. Hear all about the rumor at our source link, at just about the 40-minute mark.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Windows Phone 7 updates Bing to find music and barcodes, provide turn-by-turn directions and send speech-to-text SMS? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 May 2011 22:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingBing AudioBing VisionBingAudioBingVisionMangoMicrosoftrumorrumorsvoice recognitionvoice to textVoiceRecognitionVoiceToTextWindows PhoneWindowsPhoneWP7Sun, 08 May 2011 22:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Voice-controlled Japanese robot assists with eating, makes veggies more fun (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/voice-controlled-japanese-robot-assists-with-eating-makes-veggi/#comments

Isao Wakabayashi, a student at Chukyo University in Japan, seems to have made the arduous chore of eating easier. Using a customized version of a Robix robot kit, Wakabayashi coded a program that makes the feeder recognize individual food items and feed them to you. The meal-assistant features two arms, dexterous enough to handle utensils, and can be controlled using your voice. In theory, this system would be ideal for the elderly, folks that currently have trouble eating by themselves, or you know -- for those that may or may not be too lazy to bring food to their face.

Voice-controlled Japanese robot assists with eating, makes veggies more fun (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistantchukyochukyo universityChukyoUniversityelderlyfeederfoodisaojapanjapaneseroboixrobotroboticsrobotsvideovoicevoice recognitionvoice recognition robotVoiceRecognitionVoiceRecognitionRobotwakabayashiWed, 23 Mar 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese elevators get voice recognition, Japanese elevator rides get even more awkward]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/japanese-elevators-get-voice-recognition-japanese-elevator-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/japanese-elevators-get-voice-recognition-japanese-elevator-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/08/japanese-elevators-get-voice-recognition-japanese-elevator-ride/#comments We here at Engadget are all about helping the less fortunate, so Mitsubishi Electric's latest innovation in elevator tech has us all warm and fuzzy. The new interface allows for blind users -- and presumably lazy users -- to select their destination floor by voice, with a subsequent announcement when they arrive. Additionally, the system kicks in whenever it detects a wheelchair, replacing the potentially difficult process of reaching high buttons with the simple act of speaking. No word on whether the system works in English just yet or if it'll make it to the States, but you might want to brush up on your Japanese either way.

Japanese elevators get voice recognition, Japanese elevator rides get even more awkward originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindelevatorhandicappedjapanmitsubishimitsubishi electronicsMitsubishiElectronicsvoicevoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionTue, 08 Mar 2011 15:48:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom's GO 2435 / 2535 PNDs get quiet teaser, we're left wondering what's new]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/tomtoms-go-2435-2535-pnds-get-quiet-teaser-were-left-wonder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/tomtoms-go-2435-2535-pnds-get-quiet-teaser-were-left-wonder/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/24/tomtoms-go-2435-2535-pnds-get-quiet-teaser-were-left-wonder/#comments The very busy folks over at TomTom have just squeezed out two new sets of PNDs sporting touchscreens, voice recognition, and a "new, intuitive user interface," but despite the company's high profile on the GPS market, the GO 2435, which works a 4.3-inch screen, and the GO 2535, a 5-inch iteration, slipped out without much ado. Both PNDs come in three versions: the "T" series supports lifetime traffic updates, the "M" line offers lifetime map updates, and the "MT" edition features -- you guessed it -- lifetime traffic and map updates. Thus far, the basic specs resemble those of previous GO PNDs -- both tout Bluetooth calling, 4GB flash storage, and 3 hours of battery life -- leaving us to wonder what's up with this "new, intuitive user interface?" Among other things, TomTom is still mum on price and availability, which means we'll have to wait until they speak up to give you all the dirty details.

TomTom's GO 2435 / 2535 PNDs get quiet teaser, we're left wondering what's new originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24352535autocarcarsgo 2535Go2535GPSnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemPNDtomtomtomtom gotomtom go 2435tomtom go2535TomtomGoTomtomGo2435TomtomGo2535voice recognitionVoiceRecognitionThu, 24 Feb 2011 05:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Nuance opens Dragon Mobile SDK to app developers, we see end to embarrassing dictation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nuance-opens-dragon-mobile-sdk-to-app-developers-we-see-end-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nuance-opens-dragon-mobile-sdk-to-app-developers-we-see-end-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/23/nuance-opens-dragon-mobile-sdk-to-app-developers-we-see-end-to/#comments There are some messages that are just too embarrassing to dictate to a human being. Lucky for us and the retired circus contortionist we hired to type up our missives, Nuance is expanding the reach of its transcription software by making its Dragon Mobile SDK available to developers for use in iOS and Android applications. The SDK, which is free to members of the Nuance Mobile Developer Program, sports speech-to-text capabilities in eight languages and text-to-speech in 35. There are already apps out there that can do the job, including Nuance's own Dragon Dictation, but we welcome new advances in automated transcription. You know, it's not exactly a walk in the park dictating an entire Clay Aiken Fan Club newsletter to a guy named Sid the Human Pretzel.

Nuance opens Dragon Mobile SDK to app developers, we see end to embarrassing dictation originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscommunicationdictationDragonDragon DictationDragon mobileDragon Mobile SDKDragonDictationDragonMobileDragonMobileSdkmobilemobile appsMobileAppsnuanceNuance CommunicationsNuanceCommunicationssdkspeech to textSpeechToTexttext to speechTextToSpeechtranscriptionvoicevoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionSun, 23 Jan 2011 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Voice Search update helps you personalize your results, helps Google build another database to take over the world]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/google-voice-search-update-helps-personalize-your-results-helps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/google-voice-search-update-helps-personalize-your-results-helps/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/google-voice-search-update-helps-personalize-your-results-helps/#comments Google Voice Actions was the first step towards our Star Trek dreams of lassoing the world with naught but vocal cords, and today Google's taken a second hop towards that inevitable future by letting Android devices record our every utterance. Yes, if you've got a handset running Froyo or better, you can download an update for Google Voice Search right now, which will let your phone dynamically personalize its speech-to-text engine to better recognize your voice most every time you use it. Of course, by so doing you're giving Google permission to record your sentences -- anonymously, of course -- to use in future products, but whether that's a problem or just a happy coincidence depends on whether you take Google at its word. We hit the "yes" button, in case you're curious. Find it on Android Market, or just use the handy-dandy QR code below.

Continue reading Google Voice Search update helps you personalize your results, helps Google build another database to take over the world

Google Voice Search update helps you personalize your results, helps Google build another database to take over the world originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.2android marketAndroid2.2AndroidMarketappdataGoogleGoogle Voice SearchGoogleVoiceSearchpersonalizationpersonalizedprivacyspeechspeech recognitionspeech to textSpeechRecognitionSpeechToTextupdatevoicevoice recognitionVoice SearchVoiceRecognitionVoiceSearchTue, 14 Dec 2010 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's Optimus 7 gets previewed by Korean newspaper, has voice to text feature?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/lgs-optimus-7-gets-previewed-by-korean-newspaper-has-voice-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/lgs-optimus-7-gets-previewed-by-korean-newspaper-has-voice-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/lgs-optimus-7-gets-previewed-by-korean-newspaper-has-voice-to/#comments You know how we abhor machine translation, but this rumor was too juicy to pass up -- the Korea Economic Daily reportedly got hands-on with LG's Optimus 7 (aka E900) way ahead of release, and if we're reading this right, the Windows Phone 7 device will be capable of writing your text messages, emails and status updates just by hearing you speak. The publication also reports it's got a 3.8-inch, 800 x 480 screen (rather than the 3.5 or 3.7 inches we've heard before), a 1500 mAh battery, 16GB of built-in storage and a 1GHz processor. There's also apparently "automatic panorama" feature where you simply pan the camera to take stills and stitch them together, which sounds a lot like the Sweep Panorama dealie Sony recently added to its Cyber-Shot lineup. Can we expect a US version to have these features? Hard to say. Even should this preview be wholly legit, speech-to-text would probably need quite the overhaul to tell English from Korean -- and let's not even get started on Engrish.

LG's Optimus 7 gets previewed by Korean newspaper, has voice to text feature? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dictationE900koreaLGLG E900LG OptimusLG Optimus 7LgE900LgOptimusLgOptimus7Optimus 7Optimus7panoramasmartphonespeech to textspeech-to-textSpeechToTextsweep panoramaSweepPanoramavoice recognitionvoice to textvoice-to-textVoiceRecognitionVoiceToTextWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WP7Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect won't support voice recognition in some countries until 2011, putting on airs won't help]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/kinect-wont-support-voice-recognition-in-some-countries-until-2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/kinect-wont-support-voice-recognition-in-some-countries-until-2/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/kinect-wont-support-voice-recognition-in-some-countries-until-2/#comments "If you see it, just say it," says Microsoft's Kinect, but only in the US, UK, Mexico and Japan to start -- those are the only four countries that will support Kinect voice control by the motion-sensing peripheral's November launch. So said Microsoft PR manager Lidia Pitzalis in an interview with Eurogamer Spain, adding that Germany, Italy, France and even Canada and Spain would have to wait for a Spring 2011 update for additional language support. Microsoft claims it's a matter of accents throwing off the voice recognition, as the company's already had to build separate software versions for US and UK English, but if you're an Italian who can fake a good Cockney, you're still out of luck, as Microsoft's reportedly disabling voice control entirely in said regions until it can formally support it. And game companies wonder why we try so hard to hack those DVD drives...

Update: Canada will in fact have voice support, according to Microsoft. So long as you speak English and not French.

Kinect won't support voice recognition in some countries until 2011, putting on airs won't help originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CanadaDaydisparityFranceGermanyItalyKinectMicrosoftSpainUIuser interfaceUserInterfacevoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionXboxXbox 360Xbox360Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlingo bows to Google Voice Actions, makes Android version free of charge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/#comments When Google Navigation hit the scene, it sounded the death knell for paid GPS on Android, so you can imagine the doom and gloom at Vlingo HQ last week when Google released the similar Voice Actions for free. As it turns out, however, Vlingo's not going to give up that easily; Vlingo for Android, once a $10 download, is now free as well. In a surprisingly gracious blog post that genuinely congratulates Google on the accomplishment, CEO Dave Grannan explains that he wants Android users to be able to freely compare the services as Vlingo adds features further down the road, and makes one valid point in his firm's favor -- you can try Vlingo now if you've got Android 2.0 or above, but Google's service only runs on Froyo. Interestingly enough, Vlingo on Android was the only version that actually charged; on Nokia, Blackberry and Windows Mobile, however, you could purchase a "Plus" license. Perhaps the company's not quite as generous as we thought, but there's still no arguing with a free voice command service that also reads your email aloud -- go ahead and give it a try.

Vlingo bows to Google Voice Actions, makes Android version free of charge originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android 2.2Android2.0Android2.1Android2.2appappsEclairFroyoGooglegoogle voicegoogle voice searchGoogleVoiceGoogleVoiceSearchVlingovoicevoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionSun, 15 Aug 2010 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/15/fords-sync-learns-100x-more-voice-commands-integrates-nuance-t/#comments We'll be honest -- we weren't the biggest fans of SYNC from the onset, but that had more to do with its insistence on playing Run DMC on our request for Naughty By Nature during a cross-town CES run than anything else. Now, Ford remains one of the few automakers that actually bothers to update their navigation systems on a consistent basis, and while SYNC is still far from perfect, it's getting a rather significant update today. The introduction of MyFord Touch brings the amount of commands that SYNC understands up to 10,000 -- that's a pretty big jump from 100, where it began. Following in BMW's footsteps, Ford is also integrating voice control technology from Nuance, which allows drivers to speak "more naturally" to the system rather than having to memorize a few hundreds first-level snippets. Unfortunately, we still think voice control within vehicles is too slow; much like Windows Vista, there are simply too many confirmation prompts, too many forks in the decision tree and not enough of an overall benefit to chose it over handling things with your digits. Feel free to disagree and pick this up on your 2011 Ford Edge, but be sure to view the video past the jump before getting all hot and bothered.

Continue reading Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology

Ford's SYNC learns 100x more voice commands, integrates Nuance technology originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford syncFordSyncmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchnuancesynctouchvideovoicevoice commandsvoice controlVoice recognitionVoiceCommandsVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionThu, 15 Jul 2010 22:10:00 EST