Nuance Communications, provider of speech recognition and imaging solutions announced today its RealSpeak technology was used in developing a voice for the new Voice Text service offered by British Telecom (BT).

 

The new service will translate text and voice and increase communication options for BT mobile and landline customers. Mobile users who wish to send a message to a landline user may simply text their SMS message and it will be translated and delivered in a very natural and real sounding voice to the recipient's landline telephone.

 

Nuance's RealSpeak, speech recognition technology is familiar with 27 languages and 36 different voices and is capable of translating common text abbreviations like "xx" and "g8". With the use of this highly intelligent interface, BT and other companies can rely on a diverse selection of sounds to develop a unique "feel" based on personalized criteria.

 

BT has chosen the voice of Tom Baker, famous for his Dr. Who narration in the TV show Little Britain to provide translated messages over the next few months. According to a recent release, a celebrity voices poll found Baker to have the fourth most recognized voice in the UK.

 

"Nuance is very pleased to be part of this milestone for speech technology. Sampling Baker's voice was a great opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Nuance's RealSpeak technology" said Peter Hauser, general manager and senior vice president Nuance International, in a recent news release.

 

For more on this visit: www.nuance.com or www.bt.com