Samsung introduces speech-to-SMS mobile phones

Samsung Telecommunications America is introducing speech-to-text dictation on mobile phones. This capability, available on two new Samsung phones, allows consumers to speak into the phone and have the phone convert those words directly into text. Using advanced voice activation technology, consumers also can send pre-programmed short messages with voice commands.

Unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show 2005 (CES), the Samsung's p207 is the first phone with the new VoiceMode technology that allows consumers to simply speak the words of a message and have the phone translate those exact words into text. This voice activated text messaging application allows users to quickly and easily address the message then use their voice to create text, bringing virtually hands-free and eyes-free communication to text messaging.

The QuickPhrase feature debuting on Samsung's a890 makes it easy for consumers to address a message and activate one of the frequently used short messages pre-programmed in the phone. Once in the messaging application, users can activate phrases such as "Call me" or "Will call you later" by simply speaking those words, and the text is included in the message.

"This new technology will significantly change how people interact with their wireless phones. For the first time, consumers can dictate messages directly to their wireless phone, substantially simplifying the messaging process," said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president, Samsung. "Consumers have come to expect these type of breakthrough capabilities from Samsung. We've developed a reputation for introducing meaningful, easy-to-use features to arguably the most commonly used consumer technology device."