First Deployment of Nuance’s New ‘Single Confirmation Address Entry’ Feature; Precise Speech Recognition Technology Makes Route Planning Faster and Easier Than Ever
Nuance Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAN), a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions, today announced that Nuance advanced speech solutions power the new NAVIGON 8110, the latest GPS portable navigation device of NAVIGON AG. The new device will be shown at CeBIT and is expected to be commercially available in Europe by spring 2008. The new NAVIGON co-pilot sets new standards for simple and intuitive use with advanced speech recognition technology for voice destination entry.
Called “Voice Recognition Pro” within the NAVIGON 8110, it is the first implementation of Nuance VoCon 3200 with “Single Confirmation Address Entry” – a new capability that lets users enter their complete target address – city, street and house number – in a single voice command. The new feature enables voice destination entry in a unique, fast and easy way. Users activate the voice input feature by pushing once a single button on the touch screen display and state the destination city, street and house number without having to confirm each entry. The speech system simply prompts the user for a single confirmation at the end of the entry process and the navigation starts immediately.
“The new NAVIGON 8110 navigation devices combine an exclusive design with the very latest technology at an attractive price. It allows drivers to enter their destination verbally without touching any buttons. Speech recognition improves drivers’ concentration in traffic and thereby offers additional safety”, explained Peter Scheufen, Chairman of the Board of NAVIGON AG.
A recent study commissioned by Nuance confirmed demand for these new features in satellite navigation systems. As part of this study, more than three hundred vehicle drivers in Germany described their behavior when using the main in-car features and assessed a range of voice-based functions. German respondents cited voice-activated prompts as one of the most important functions: 88 percent believed that voice-based navigation increased safety and the same number again pointed out the improved user friendliness of the navigation system.
Arnd Weil, general manager, Automotive & PND Business Unit at Nuance, added: “Nearly all major manufacturers of mobile navigation devices and the top 10 car manufacturers choose speech technology from Nuance. Speech technology can add significant value to end-users and allow drivers to combine on-road safety and personal convenience.” Weil continued, “We have seen new speech features being added to PNDs at an aggressive pace. In addition to voice destination entry, we expect other speech-enabled functions on the devices, such as controlling the phone or selecting music by voice, to become the next level of differentiating features.”
Nuance will demonstrate its latest deployments of speech enabled portable navigation devices at CeBIT 2008, the world’s largest trade fair showcasing digital IT and telecommunications solutions, that will take place from 4-9 March 2008 in Hanover (hall 15, stand D29).
For further information on Nuance’s participation at CeBIT 2008 Hanover please visit: http://www.nuance.com/Cebit2008/
About NAVIGON
NAVIGON AG is one of the world’s leading innovators of high-quality navigation devices standing for outstanding technology in attractive lines. Besides, the company offers GPS software solutions for well-known electronic brands as well as automotive components for driver assistance systems. Founded in 1991, NAVIGON employs a total staff of more than 400, and is represented by its own offices in Asia, Europe and North America. – NAVIGON. And the world is yours. Navigon will be at CeBIT in hall 15, booth E13.
Nuance Communications, Inc.
Nuance is the leading provider of speech, smart keypad and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance’s proven applications and professional services. For more information, please visit: nuance.com. Nuance and the Nuance logo are registered trademarks or brands of Nuance Communications, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States of America and other countries. All other companies or product names are the property of the respective owners.
