iPhone and BlackBerry users have been given the Vlingo application in the past. It is now time for any Android phone user who’s been feeling left out to flash a smile. The Vlingo voice search application is out for Android phones. It allows users get their handsets to search the web, text or e-mail messages, update Twitter statuses and more by issuing voice instructions.
This means hands-free execution of a number of functions including finding locations or businesses on Google maps. The Vlingo widget on the home screen lets users dial contacts and make calls, access in-built or even third party applications, search the internet with Google or Yahoo! and speak into almost any application using the Vlingo Everywhere voice keyboard.
“The strategic alliance between AT&T and Vlingo and the deep research and development efforts have allowed us to launch breakthrough products and features that were simply not possible in the past,” explained Mike Phillips, Co-founder and CTO of Vlingo. “The joint solution has already shown accuracy improvements by as much as 20% and has allowed us to significantly expand the functionality and usability of Vlingo.”
“Representing decades of innovation, AT&T’s Watson speech recognition technology provides Vlingo the core tools that open the door to new and exciting applications for users worldwide. Our collaboration with Vlingo is helping to lead the industry in simplifying the way that people interact with their mobile devices. A new generation of applications will give mobile users the ability to access information and services anywhere, anytime by speaking naturally,” affirmed Charles Kalmanek, VP, Networking and Services Research, AT&T Labs.
Watson Speech Recognition Technology courtesy of AT&T allows the application to achieve faster and more precise results. Users need not get their hands off the wheel while driving with the app’s SafeReader that proffers a safer and more convenient way of hearing incoming text and e-mail messages. This feature can be turned on by simply pressing a button and mouthing ‘Start SafeReader’ into the phone to get incoming messages delivered audibly.
Vlingo is available for phones running Android 2.0 or later versions through the Android market at $9.99.