Speech Applications & Solutions

Speech Applications & Solutions Featured Article

 

Most drivers know that talking on the phone while on the road is not safe-- but do they apply the same rule to texting while driving? How about using a navigation system or tuning through an MP3 player?

 

The danger of taking one's eyes off the road while driving extends beyond cell phone usage and drivers are realizing the value and safety of including speech-enabled applications.

 

That is what a recent survey conducted by Nuance Communications, provider of speech applications and solutions found when they surveyed 1,000 drivers from Germany, Japan and the US about in-vehicle information and communication devices and the value of speech.

 

According to a recent news release, "More than 60 percent of survey respondents indicated a belief that speech systems would increase safety, and nearly 70 percent of respondents believed that speech-based systems make it easier to use in-vehicle equipment."

 

With so many new technologies being included in cars today, it becomes easy to be distracted from the most important task: Keeping one's hands on the wheel and attention on the road.

 

Acknowledging the importance of this, and the need for a safer, more efficient in-car experience, respondents said they were willing to pay more for a car with speech-enabled applications included in it or if given the option, would chose a car with speech-enabled applications over one without it.

 

When it came to using a cell phone in the car, 60 percent responded that while driving, they use their phone to search contact lists for phone numbers; 54 percent said they are likely to accept incoming calls and 20 percent of drivers are taking their eyes off the road to read SMS while 16 percent are sending SMS messages. By adding voice activated dialing or a speech interface, drivers are able to speak their messages, have received ones read aloud or use their voice to dial contacts. 75 percent said voice activated name dialing is helpful while 65 percent said they would like to be informed by voice about incoming caller information.

 

Another popular device included in cars and that can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road is a navigation system. 76 percent of respondents said they enter and change destination information while on the road. Including voice into these systems allows drivers to say their destination and the system to speak the directions. This feature, 76 percent of the respondents believe, would make it easier to use the system. 70 percent also said it would also increase safety while using the system.

 

As MP3 players in the car grow in popularity, using these devices to search through songs can provide another distraction to drivers. Aware (News - Alert) of this, more than 60 percent of the respondents said they are interested in using voice to change radio stations or select songs from play lists and nearly 70 percent said using voice to control MP3 and other audio entertainment makes it easier to control the devices while driving.

 

"From voice-activated dialing and voice destination entry for navigation systems to speech-based control of entertainment systems, embedded speech applications deliver the hands-free, eyes-free interface that today's electronically connected drivers need to balance on-road safety and personal convenience," commented Craig Peddie vice president and general manager, Embedded Speech Solutions, Nuance (News - Alert) in a statement to the press.

 

Nuance's speech applications provide voice-activated dialing, voice destination entry for navigation systems, vehicle command and control, and in-vehicle entertainment systems. For more information, please visit: www.nuance.com .

 

More on the results of Nuance's survey can be found here.