INFONXX, the world’s premier provider of directory enquiry and enhanced information services, and VoiceSignal, the global leader in mobile voice technology solutions, announced today “VSearch”, the world’s first embedded handset-server application that offers to carriers the choice of automated voice enabled directory enquiries and local search by either specific listing or category keywords. VoiceSignal will provide the speech recognition and application software and INFONXX will provide content and search support.
The product will deliver to consumers a wide range of innovative information services including access to traffic, weather information, cinema times, stock quotes, horoscopes and sports scores. These information services and the delivery of mapping technology are an attractive play for advertisers targeting mobile delivery, enabling the opportunity for free delivery of VSearch to consumers. The technology will be embedded into mass market handsets made by the world’s leading OEMs, with Samsung Electronics positioned to be first to market in Europe with the revolutionary new platform. The platform will enable voice searching for mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, and games, and will allow mobile operators to provide additional content and applications. VSearch will be ad-supported and thus free to the end user, but requires an applicable mobile data service plan.
How VSearch Works
VSearch is activated via a button on the handset and prompts the user to speak the location and name or category of a business. The system sends the processed audio information to the VSearch server via the mobile data network where the user’s query is converted into text by the VSearch speech recognition engine or a highly trained INFONXX directory enquiry operator. This unique combination aims to offer the highest accuracy and reliability in all environments for the consumer. The requested listings along with relevant, interactive advertisements are sent to the device and displayed on the screen. The user can review the information, place a call to the business, and get a map of its location and more.
VSearch will be embedded into mass market mobile phones manufactured by VoiceSignal’s strategic partners starting in the second half of 2007. The specific handset models, OEMs and supported carrier networks will be announced in mid 2007. In March of 2007 a free downloadable version of VSearch for Nokia S60 devices will be available.