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Microsoft looks to beat touch with voice

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Microsoft looks to beat touch with voice

New Tellme speech control tool to be built into upcoming Windows Mobile handsets

Microsoft is looking to trump the iPhone's touchscreen UI with voice activated commands for all kinds of handset functions.

The Tellme technology will be built into Windows Mobile 6.5-powered devices due to hit the market this autumn.

Microsoft reckons research shows people prefer voice over touch, pointing out that one verbal command can do what usually requires four touches.

Perhaps the software giant is missing the point slightly here in that speed doesn't necessarily trump tactile interaction, but it will be interesting to see if the concept takes hold.

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posted by Andy Bovingdon May 01, 2009 at 4:01 pm
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Andy Bovingdon

As a longtime Windows Mobile user I was early to try out Microsofts Voice Command solution and while it certainly has it's uses and place, it has never been something I used often. The quality of the product was impressive back then, so long as you spoke loud and clear.

I often used it in the car, it was easier to "phone home" to say I was on my way or that I was stuck in traffic. That's assuming I was not driving my little open top sports car where the wind and road noise would cause interesting alternative results.

But I never did get used to shouting instructions to my phone while walking down the street or sitting on the train - I just felt too self concious. Perhaps if I was wearing my Star Trek jersey I would feel less stupid...

While voice is good and has it's place, it is secondary to a decent touch interface.

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