Nuance launches Speech apps

Nuance Communications has released a new speech dictation application that uses a robust network database that can translate a veritable dictionary of spoken words into text for a mobile device. The typical dictation engine accesses a local database on the phone giving it access to only 1000 words or so, but Nuance’s SpeakAnywhere client uses the network connection to access a database that will tackle words as obscure as “equine” and “encephalitis,” as well as access a more robust grammar engine, all at a dictation rate of 160 words per minute. The software acts as an input overlay to the standard keyboard interface of the phone, allowing any application with a cursor to use the engine. Once activated, it establishes an IP connection to the Nuance server, where a buffered VoIP stream delivers the speech. Nuance at CTIA also launched a new voice-based music search application.