Amazon has acquired text-to-speech application provider, Ivona Software, signalling company’s intention to develop voice-based search product services.
The acquisition is expected to help Amazon continue to develop products that deliver voice based applications to customers across the globe.
Needham & Co analyst, Kerry Rice, said that the Ivona acquisition could provide enough technology for the Kindle to compete with Siri, although he argues that Siri has fallen short of expectations.
"Ivona could also help Amazon expand its e-book market to more people with disabilities, such as the blind," Rice added.
The company currently offers voice and language portfolios of 44 voices in 17 languages.
IVONA’s text-to-speech technology is used in Amazon products including Kindle Fire tablets.
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