ViaVoice
Encyclopedia
IBM ViaVoice is a range of language-specific continuous speech recognition
software products offered by IBM
. The current version is designed primarily for use in embedded devices.
In 2003, IBM awarded ScanSoft, which owned the competitive product Dragon NaturallySpeaking
, exclusive global distribution rights to ViaVoice Desktop products for Windows and Mac OS X. Two years later, Nuance
merged with ScanSoft.
Speech recognition
Speech recognition converts spoken words to text. The term "voice recognition" is sometimes used to refer to recognition systems that must be trained to a particular speaker—as is the case for most desktop recognition software...
software products offered by IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
. The current version is designed primarily for use in embedded devices.
Editions
Individual language editions may have different features, specifications, technical support, and microphone support. Some of the products or editions available are:- Advanced Edition,
- Standard Edition,
- Personal Edition,
- ViaVoice for Mac OS X Edition,
- Pro USB Edition,
- Simply Dictation for Mac.
History
Prior to the development of ViaVoice, IBM developed a product named VoiceType. In 1997, ViaVoice was first introduced to the general public. Two years later, in 1999, IBM released a free of charge version of ViaVoice.In 2003, IBM awarded ScanSoft, which owned the competitive product Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition software package developed and sold by Nuance Communications for Windows personal computers. The most recent package is version 11.5, which supports 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows XP, Vista and 7. The Mac OS version is called Dragon...
, exclusive global distribution rights to ViaVoice Desktop products for Windows and Mac OS X. Two years later, Nuance
Nuance Communications
Nuance Communications is a multinational computer software technology corporation, headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, USA, that provides speech and imaging applications...
merged with ScanSoft.