Desktop Speech Integration

The role and interest in audio, video and other forms of interactive media is growing at a steady pace. Speech-To-Text applications have existed for years now, catering to both the inquisitive and the disabled. Apple computer has embedded Text-to-Speech tools directly into its OS X environment.

Perhaps more interesting, however, is the inclusion of these features at the API level for the forthcoming Microsoft OS, Longhorn. Since the API is embedded into the OS itself, this will provide many different possibilities for application developers looking to improve, enhance, or revolutionize current user interface systems.

http://www.developer.com/voice/article.php/3345251

A more ambitious proposal for managing the car's ever-growing information stream is the notion of an artificial passenger, an intelligent, interactive system capable of carrying on a conversation with the driver. The centerpiece of the company's effort in telematics, the artificial passenger is actually a set of systems. The voice recognition portion is based on IBM ViaVoice software.

Combining information from the Global Positioning System with onboard data, today's leading-edge navigation systems are already smart enough to fulfill such requests as "find nearest ATM" or "find Italian restaurant." They can also talk back, to provide driving directions with an electronically generated voice. Future systems, as IBM researchers imagine them, will consult databases not in the car but in networks reached through wireless exchanges.

http://news.com.com/Are+you+ready+to+have+a+chat+with+your+car%3F/2100-1041_3-5223935.html