Nuance Voice Control for Automotive Powers Speech for Leading QNX CAR Application Platform

From http://www.marketwatch.com/story/nuance-voice-control-for-automotive-powers-speech-for-leading-qnx-car-application-platform-2010-02-09?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Nuance's Innovative Speech Technology Tailored for the Connected Car Fully Integrated as Part of QNX CAR Application Platform

BURLINGTON, Mass. & OTTAWA, Feb 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nuance Communications, (NUAN 14.48, -0.35, -2.36%) and QNX Software Systems, a Harman International (HAR 41.81, +0.62, +1.51%) and an industry leader in real-time, embedded OS technology, together announced that Nuance Voice Control for Automotive is powering the connected speech capabilities of the QNX(R) CAR application platform. Drivers will be able to speak text messages and emails, enter navigation commands, and access the Web for sports, news, traffic, and more, powered by Nuance's connected speech capabilities working seamlessly with the QNX CAR platform.

The QNX CAR application platform, which provides the software foundation for the LTE Connected Car from the Alcatel-Lucent ng Connect Program, offers a new approach to prototyping and productizing in-vehicle systems by pre-integrating QNX products and third-party technologies as a set of reference implementations. With Nuance, QNX Software Systems seamlessly integrates advanced speech recognition capabilities based on Nuance's trusted core Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech technology and advancements in natural language understanding to provide drivers the ability to find directions, music, and other Web-based information just by using their voice.

"To play in today's highly competitive market, automakers and their Tier One suppliers need to integrate a variety of connectivity and multimedia features while ensuring drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road," said Sebastien Marineau-Mes, vice president of engineering, QNX. "By integrating intuitive speech technology from Nuance, the QNX CAR application platform can help drivers access a variety of connected services with simple voice commands. Voice enables highly intuitive user interfaces, ultimately driving adoption of connected car services and minimizing manual and visual distractions."

Nuance Voice Control Automotive leverages the same speech technology found in the successful Dragon Dictation and Dragon Search Apps for iPhone to provide a safer connected car experience that allows drivers to say a variety of spoken commands. In fact, it's the industry's first solution to provide one-button, seamless access to all services leveraging Nuance's advancements in natural language understanding and mobile speech applications.

"We've worked closely with QNX to ensure that the many automotive manufacturers and Tier One suppliers they serve can provide their customers with an amazing connected car experience powered by speech," said Arnd Weil, general manager, Nuance Automotive. "We continue to focus on making strides in flexible natural language understanding technology, as it not only provides our partners and customers with the ability to further differentiate in a competitive market, but also to ensure that the innovations shaping today's connected in-car experience aren't creating increased distractions behind the wheel."

Availability

The version of the QNX CAR application platform featuring Nuance Voice Control Automotive's innovative speech capabilities is scheduled for release to auto manufacturers and suppliers in April 2010.

QNX Software Systems brings industry-leading production experience and a 30-year track record of cutting-edge technology and innovative programs to Nuance Communications solutions. This combined with Nuance's automotive solutions, which power the speech recognition and text-to-speech capabilities of more than 25 million automobiles and 20 million personal navigation devices from the world's leading brands, creates a compelling integrated platform for today's leading auto manufacturers.