Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products NV says it is seeking to exploit its speech recognition technology by applying it to the operation of cellular telephones. It says it plans to have a speech-operated calling and answering module for cellular telephones in the market around the third quarter. The ultra- compact module, created by Belgian design house Cardian NV, will provide speech-activated hands-free dialing, and will be aimed primarily at car industry. It will be able to recognize and act on basic verbal commands such as ‘call the office’ or ‘get my messages.’ When combined with desktop messaging software, the cellular phone will enable users to retrieve electronic mail messages when they are on the road by using voice commands. The module will be offered on the OEM market, and phone manufacturers will sell it under their own brand names, though Lernout will also sell it direct in some markets.
