July 9, 2006
Talking iPod, Cell Phones
Apple has come up with another innovation: the talking iPod, reports New Scotsman
"A new generation of machines will use sophisticated software to convert the names of bands, albums and individual tracks into recognisable speech.
The new iPod will tell you what it is about to play, removing the need for users to look at the screen while selecting music, and making the device safer and easier to use while driving, cycling or in badly-lit locations. The patent reveals the idea is driven largely by safety considerations.
The patent also makes clear that text-to-speech technology is likely to spread to other hand-held electronic devices such as mobile phones and palm-top computers.
Apple has flatly refused to comment on the design, but a patent lodged by the company in the United States makes clear the sixth generation of iPods will be able to convert those famous text menus into speech."
Text-to-speech technology used in phones, existing or planned:
-- SMS read aloud on new Nokia 5500 Sports Phone
-- KTF Starts Text-to-Speech Message Service
-- Samsung announces text-to-speech phones
-- SA's first speaking cellphone launched
-- Nokia Series 60 for the Visually Disabled
-- Siemens mobile's Phones Speak
-- BT Trialing SMS-TO-VOICE Service/a>
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