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News for 'SSFT' - (Voice Perfect Systems Selects ScanSoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking to Power Multi-Speak Transcription Solution Voice Perfect Developers Use ScanSoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking SDK to Enable Automatic Meeting and Interview Transcription for Multiple Speakers)
HANOVER, Germany, Mar 15, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), a global leader of speech and imaging solutions, announced that Voice Perfect Systems has selected the ScanSoft(R) Dragon NaturallySpeaking(R) 8 SDK (software developer kit) for Voice Perfect Multi-Speak, a meeting transcription and recording solution. Voice Perfect Multi-Speak uses the award-winning Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition technology to enable automatic, instantaneous transcription of meeting or interview proceedings involving multiple participants. The new solution from Voice Perfect will be demonstrated this week at CeBIT by ScanSoft's German distribution partner EGS Computer Vertrieb GmBH in Hanover, Hal 3 booth E56.
With Voice Perfect Multi-Speak, organizations can for the first time automatically produce simultaneous transcriptions of meetings or interviews between two or more persons. As the participants speak into a headset or microphone, Multi-Speak utilizes Dragon NaturallySpeaking technology to transcribe spoken words to text almost instantly, and also creates an audio recording of the meeting session or interview, which can then be archived. Immediately upon the conclusion of a meeting or interview, a full transcript of the session is available for review with links to the original audio recordings.
"This is an exciting development in speech recognition," said Steve Freeman, CEO of Voice Perfect Systems. "Multi-Speak leverages Dragon NaturallySpeaking technology to offer significant value to a variety of industries, as it not only increases productivity by eliminating the time and cost associated with manual transcription of meetings and interviews, but it also offers efficiencies in implementing corporate governance standards through cost-effective record-keeping."
Voice Perfect Multi-Speak was developed in conjunction with the Australian Department of Defense, which uses Multi-Speak internally to improve efficiency and accountability. Voice Perfect and its partners are commercializing and internationalizing the product, including the incorporation of advanced features of ScanSoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8. Multi-Speak will be exhibited in its German version at this year's Hanover CeBIT technology conference.
The ScanSoft Dragon NaturallySpeaking SDK is used by developers and integrators to rapidly add both client- and server-based speech recognition capabilities directly into in-house and commercial applications. The Dragon NaturallySpeaking SDK provides everything needed to add cutting-edge speech recognition technology to any workflow application. This toolkit enables everything from free text dictation to command and control functionality, and can be deployed as part of a server- or client-based solution.
"Speech recognition is an efficient and affordable solution for organizations that are looking to eliminate manual transcription costs, save time, and comply with industry standards," said John Shagoury, president, ScanSoft Productivity Applications Division. "We are pleased that Voice Perfect is leveraging Dragon NaturallySpeaking to deliver such a valuable solution across many industries."
Pricing and Availability
Voice Perfect Multi-Speak Interview Edition will be available on April 14, 2005, starting at EUR 650 for the two-person system (plus local charges and taxes). Multi-Speak will be available internationally from Voice Perfect and its partners.
About ScanSoft Inc.
ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft(R) products and technologies, please visit www.scansoft.com.
About Voice Perfect Systems
Voice Perfect Systems specializes in solutions based on ScanSoft's Dragon NaturallySpeaking software and associated software developer kits (SDKs). Founded in Australia in 1994, Voice Perfect's other products include LegalSpeak, BIZSpeak, NZSpeak, MediSpeak and PathSpeak. The company's reach stretches throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Voice Perfect Multi-Speak is the latest innovation from this leading-edge company. For further information, please go to the company's web site at this location: www.voiceperfect.com.
Trademark reference: ScanSoft, the ScanSoft logo, Dragon, and NaturallySpeaking are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names mentioned may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in ScanSoft's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.
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News for 'SSFT' - (ScanSoft Launches SpeechPAK TALKS 2.0 for Blind and Low-Vision Customers)
PEABODY, Mass., Mar 15, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Latest Offering Provides Enhanced Speech-Enabled Access for Mobile Phones; Adds Web Support, GPS Navigation and Additional Handset Support
ScanSoft, Inc., the global leader of speech and imaging solutions, today announced the availability of SpeechPAK TALKS(TM) 2.0, the latest edition of its groundbreaking application designed for instant, eyes-free audio access to mobile phones. Designed for Symbian series 60 and 80 mobile phones, the software works with the phone's existing interface to perform a host of functions that make mobile devices completely accessible for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Leading service providers, including Cingular, Vodafone and Telecom Italia, and a global network of assistive technology dealers currently market and offer SpeechPAK TALKS to customers across the globe.
SpeechPAK TALKS 2.0 offers an array of enhanced features that make mobile phones more robust and easier to use than ever before. SpeechPAK TALKS 2.0 is the first screen reader that offers access to wireless application protocol (WAP) and HTTP Web pages on Symbian Series 60 phones. Now, for the first time, individuals can use the power of speech to access more cutting-edge features, including location-based services such as real-time news and traffic alerts, ring tone downloads and access to Web content. In addition, users can leverage Wayfinder's advanced GPS navigation system to find a map and hear detailed directions to the nearest restaurant or hotel, explore a route before starting a walk, or simply become a more knowledgeable traveler. Additional brevity options allow TALKS users to shorten audio output to avoid unnecessarily long text-to-speech output for those who are familiar with their handset.
In addition to these new features, SpeechPAK TALKS 2.0 continues to focus on the core features that matter most for blind and low-vision users. SpeechPAK TALKS provides users with the information they need quickly, in a comfortable, easy-to-use manner, alerting them to messages such as e-mail, text messages and incoming calls, and provides a unique caller ID function that enables users to learn who is calling without picking up the phone. Typical caller ID features are visually-based, and force the blind or low-vision caller to answer the phone to learn who is calling. With SpeechPAK TALKS, the caller's identity is read aloud to the user in a voice that is configurable and easy to understand. In addition, speech-enabled access to practical features, such as battery and signal strength, ensures that users can maintain the basic functions of the telephone.
"With SpeechPAK TALKS 2.0, we are offering our users a host of enhanced features that make mobile phones more accessible and easy to use for all kinds of users," said Alan Schwartz, vice president of embedded solutions for SpeechWorks, a division of ScanSoft. "The added features of our latest release help individuals gain greater access to the increasingly robust features of today's mobile devices. Added features such as GPS navigation and Web support provide users with a host of eyes-free options for our blind and low-vision customers, in addition to the mainstream market."
In addition to its carrier partners, TALKS Version 2.0 is available through ScanSoft's network of accessibility dealers. Users who purchase through these dealers will receive SpeechPAK TALKS Premium with five new bonus applications, including:
-- MiniGPS: Users can leverage the mini-GPS feature to set alarms or other actions to alert them to when their train has reached their destination or other travel-based situations.
-- Extended Recorder: Record short calls and other important events by entering a simple key combination to turn on the portable voice recorder feature.
-- Extended Profiles: With configuration of your phone's profiles, users can switch profiles automatically at a given time, such as changing the ringer to "silent" at night, rather than turning the phone off.
-- Audio Player: With SpeechPAK TALKS, mobile phones can play a variety of audio formats, including MP3, and can be used to listen to music or audio-based content on the road.
-- World Clock: The addition of the world clock enables users to hear what time it is virtually anywhere in the world.
SpeechPAK TALKS is the only screen reader that supports the new Nokia Communicator 9300 and 9500 PDA/phone combinations that use Symbian and implement the Series 80 user interface with a standard keyboard. SpeechPAK TALKS for Series 60 continues to support new handsets, like the Nokia 6630 3G handset, or the Nokia 6260 with its clamshell design. In addition, SpeechPAK TALKS is the only screen reader for Symbian that offers Braille connectivity for Bluetooth-enabled Braille devices. With the Braille SDK, Braille device manufacturers can integrate their devices with SpeechPAK TALKS. Blind and even deaf-blind users will be able to access their handsets with Braille input and output, including full access to text messaging and other features of their mobile devices.
ScanSoft(R) SpeechPAK TALKS(TM) is available immediately through leading telecommunications providers around the globe, including Cingular, Vodafone and Telecom Italia and through a global network of dealers. A list is available from www.scansoft.com/speechpak/talks.
About the SpeechWorks Division of ScanSoft
ScanSoft delivers field-proven speech solutions. Its unmatched portfolio and expertise help thousands of companies around the world to improve the way we communicate. Through a global partner network, the company delivers solutions that use the human voice to interact with information systems and devices. Today, thousands of companies and millions of users around the world depend on SpeechWorks(R) solutions from ScanSoft to deliver vital business information and simplify every day life.
About ScanSoft, Inc.
ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is the global leader of speech and imaging solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes -- saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft(R) products and technologies, please visit www.ScanSoft.com.
ScanSoft, the ScanSoft logo, SpeechWorks, and SpeechPAK TALKS are trademarks or registered trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. All other company names or product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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