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Microsoft Licenses Voxware's Voice Technology for Microsoft Bookshelf CD-ROM Reference Library

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Microsoft, a leading software developer, has licensed Voxware's advanced voice technology for its Microsoft Bookshelf CD-ROM Reference Library. Under this agreement, Voxware's voice-compression and playback technology, as well as its "Warp-It" voice-effects technology, will be used in the library. These tools enable high-quality voice audio, compression ratios of up to 35:1 without playback degradation, and the ability to speed-up or slow-down playback by up to a factor of plus/minus 5 without changing the pitch or character of the original voice. The technology will enhance the overall richness of the product, allowing for more content and a better user experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft licensed key components of Voxware's second-generation ToolVox voice technology, including voice-compression and playback technology with up to 35:1 compression ratios, and "Warp-It" voice-effects technology for speed-up or slow-down playback by up to a factor of plus/minus 5.
  • Voxware's technology will be used in Microsoft's Microsoft Bookshelf CD-ROM Reference Library, a best-selling product comprising eight reference books, including The American Heritage Dictionary and The World Almanac.
  • The technology will allow Microsoft to increase the amount of high-quality voice audio in the library, as well as add more content of all types, enhancing the overall richness of the product.
  • Voxware's ToolVox multimedia development kit, which provides software tools for compressing, enhancing, and "morphing" human speech and singing, will be used to develop the voice technology.
  • The agreement marks the beginning of a voice revolution in multimedia, both on the desktop and the Internet, according to Voxware CEO and President Michael Goldstein.
  • Voxware's technology provides unmatched speech quality at compression ratios ranging from 25:1 to 35:1 with playback quality comparable to 4:1 ADPCM voice compression.
  • The technology's cross-platform capabilities permit the same .VOX voice source file to be utilized on PC, Mac, and Unix platforms.
  • ToolVox began shipping in July 1995.

Statistics:

  • Compression ratios: up to 35:1 without playback degradation
  • Playback speed alteration: up to a factor of plus/minus 5 without changing the quality and character of the original voice
  • Compression ratios of: 25:1 to 35:1 with playback quality comparable to 4:1 ADPCM voice compression

Sources:

  • Voxware, Inc.
  • Microsoft Corp.
  • Peters & Feldman
  • National Zip Code and Post Office Directory
  • The World Almanac & Book of Facts 1995

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