Software embeds voice-enabled mobile directory enquiry.
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Press Release Summary:
Embedded into handsets, VSearch offers carriers choice of automated, voice-enabled directory enquiries and local search via specification of listing or category keywords. Embedded handset-server application utilizes speech recognition and application software as well as content and search support to delivers information services as well as mapping technology. Platform lets mobile operators provide additional content and applications for consumers.
Original Press Release:
INFONXX and VoiceSignal Collaborate to Develop Ad-Supported Voice-Enabled Mobile Search and Directory Enquiry Technology
Mobile Voice Search Product to Ship Embedded in Phones from Top Tier OEMs Worldwide
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 14 -- INFONXX, the world's premier provider of directory enquiry and enhanced information services, and VoiceSignal, the global leader in mobile voice technology solutions, announced today "VSearch", the world's first embedded handset-server application that offers to carriers the choice of automated voice enabled directory enquiries and local search by either specific listing or category keywords. VoiceSignal will provide the speech recognition and application software and INFONXX will provide content and search support. The product will deliver to consumers a wide range of innovative information services including access to traffic, weather information, cinema times, stock quotes, horoscopes and sports scores. These information services and the delivery of mapping technology are an attractive play for advertisers targeting mobile delivery, enabling the opportunity for free delivery of VSearch to consumers. The technology will be embedded into mass market handsets made by the world's leading OEMs, with Samsung Electronics positioned to be first to market in Europe with the revolutionary new platform. The platform will enable voice searching for mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, and games, and will allow mobile operators to provide additional content and applications. VSearch will be ad- supported and thus free to the end user, but requires an applicable mobile data service plan.
How VSearch Works
VSearch is activated via a button on the handset and prompts the user to speak the location and name or category of a business. The system sends the processed audio information to the VSearch server via the mobile data network where the user's query is converted into text by the VSearch speech recognition engine or a highly trained INFONXX directory enquiry operator. This unique combination aims to offer the highest accuracy and reliability in all environments for the consumer. The requested listings along with relevant, interactive advertisements are sent to the device and displayed on the screen. The user can review the information, place a call to the business, and get a map of its location and more.
VSearch Availability
VSearch will be embedded into mass market mobile phones manufactured by VoiceSignal's strategic partners starting in the second half of 2007. The specific handset models, OEMs and supported carrier networks will be announced in mid 2007. In March of 2007 a free downloadable version of VSearch for Nokia Series 60 devices will be available through www.118.com and www.voicesignal.com.
VSearch Changes the Mobile Paradigm
In making this announcement, Daniel Roth, VoiceSignal's Co-Founder and President said, "There is no easier way to get local information from your phone, VSearch changes the game. We are extremely excited to be partnering with industry leader INFONXX to bring this ad-supported, free product to consumers."
Robert Pines, CEO of INFONXX, commented, "With a billion calls made each year to our US and European directory assistance services, including market leaders 118 118 in the UK, 118 218 in France and 18 18 in Switzerland, it is clear that people are looking for easy, voice driven access to an even widening range of useful and helpful information. VSearch brings a new dimension by enabling people to use a technology platform with a familiar voice interface for rich, interactive information and unobtrusive and highly relevant advertisements."
About VoiceSignal:
VoiceSignal is the global leader in mobile voice technology. Since 2002 more than 110 million copies of its software in 21 languages have shipped embedded in devices from the world's top handset manufacturers. VoiceSignal's unique architecture is compatible with the entire range of mobile devices, from entry-level to enterprise-class devices and smart phones. VoiceSignal solutions are preferred by the largest global handset brands and specified by major operators worldwide. Additional information about the company is available at www.voicesignal.com.
About INFONXX:
INFONXX is the world's premier provider of voice directory transaction services, answering over 1 billion calls a year from consumers worldwide and helping telecommunications customers increase revenue and improve customer satisfaction. INFONXX solutions enable telecommunications customers to increase revenue, improve customer satisfaction, extend their brand, provide personalized content, and reduce churn. INFONXX operates the most reliable speech recognition and network architecture in the industry and provides innovative, industry-leading products and services including 411 Plus enhanced directory assistance; TeleMas(SM) Spanish-language services; Text Direct(SM), the industry's first 2-Way SMS directory assistance listings in the United States; and txt//ad in the United Kingdom, an innovative Pay-Per-Text ad channel enabling advertisers to reach potential customers via SMS. INFONXX is the parent company of significant consumer voice directory services companies including The Number (UK), Le Numero (France), Die Nummer (Switzerland) and Il Numero (Italy), Conduit (Ireland), as well as Excell Services (North America). For more information, please visit INFONXX.com
CONTACT: Mira Genser of VoiceSignal, +1-781-970-5223, or mgenser@voicesignal.com; or Josh Van Raalte, +44-1865-725-269, or josh@brazilagency.com, for INFONXX
