IBM Expands Speech Product Family with VoiceType Dictation for Windows

Strategic Insights -

IBM has expanded its innovative speech product family, introducing VoiceType Dictation for Windows Version 1.32, a productivity tool that enables users to convert their spoken words to text quickly and accurately. This solution is ideal for professionals such as doctors and lawyers who require extensive note-taking and document creation, as well as general word processing users. The new offering utilizes IBM's sophisticated speech technology, which adapts to the way a person dictates and learns the user's word patterns.

Key Takeaways:

  • VoiceType Dictation for Windows Version 1.32 is a speech product that allows users to convert their spoken words to text quickly and accurately.
  • The product is ideal for professionals such as doctors and lawyers, as well as general word processing users.
  • The system uses IBM's sophisticated speech technology, which adapts to the way a person dictates and learns the user's word patterns.
  • The technology can accurately differentiate between like-sounding words, such as to, two, and too.
  • The product includes a speech vocabulary for general office correspondence, as well as optional specialized industry vocabularies for medicine, law, and journalism.
  • The solution integrates with popular word processing packages and Lotus Notes, making it beneficial for professionals and small- and medium-sized businesses.
  • The product has received recognition with a number of awards worldwide, with many thousands of customers already experiencing its benefits.
  • The solution has been tested for compatibility with Windows 3.1x and Windows 95, with features such as OLE 2.0 container support and drag-and-drop data exchange.
  • The product includes integrated editing functions and improved usability, as well as hands-free microphone control.
  • Voice commands can now be used when filling in numerical and alphabetical information into data fields.

Statistics:

  • IBM has established itself as the industry leader in speech dictation systems since launching the VoiceType family in 1994.
  • In the last month alone, VoiceType has been recognized with a number of awards worldwide.
  • Many thousands of customers have already experienced the benefits of VoiceType.
  • The U.S. prices for a start-up package of software, microphone, and PC adapter card are $999 (with an ISA adapter card) and $1,099 (with PCMCIA or Micro Channel adapter card).
  • Upgrade pricing for the software only is $99.
  • The product is planned for general availability in the United States on November 30, 1995.
  • Availability in other languages, including U.K. English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, is planned for first quarter 1996.

Sources:

  • [IBM Press Release]
  • [Interview with Jan Winston, worldwide speech systems manager, IBM Software Group]
  • [Interview with David Nahamoo, senior manager of Human Language Technologies at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center]
  • [IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center]
  • [IBM Software Group]