Registered: Mar 2002
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Posts: 1

Voice Recorder Modules

After posting my questions concerning the ProRecord module, I found another thread that answered most of my questions.
I was unable to delete this post, so I am offering an explanation as to this post.

However, while on the subject of Voice Recorders and PDAs, why hasn't someone come out with an integrated VR/PDA that has voice recognition.

Years ago, Voice-It attempted it with a small hand-held device. Now both industries have advanced to a point where it should be quite easy to record messages, select times/dates, all by using voice instead of "old fashioned writing instruments"

Any comments on this subject would be engaging... maybe I am missing some hot new product out there.... (I hope)

James Bentley

Last edited by jbentley on 03-08-2002 at 04:39 AM

Registered: Mar 2002
Location:
Posts: 17

This is passe on the PocketPC. Erm, to be exact, Windows CE 2.11, which has now been outdated by PocketPC 2002. If you're not familliar with those OS, that's about 3-4 years back. Didn't "wow" 'em then, prolly wouldn't do it now either.

The program was called something like Commander, which required you to train it, as you would with any other VR program. It did basic things like switching applications and getting contact information just by saying their name (ooOOOOooohhh aaaAAAAAAaaahhh).

I gave it a go, and despite working 75% of the time, it really isn't as convenient as you migh think. For instance, you have to speak clearly, and above most, LOUDLY. Try "silently screaming" "CONTACT <pause> LARRY SANDERS <pause> DIAL". It just doesn't work, and won't make you look cool either, especially when you have to say the commands a few times. Lastly, you have to move the device near your mouth when you use it to compensate for the shotty mic, loud outside noises, and to avoid talking loudly. This wastes time as your arm travels back and forth from talking distance, to reading distance and then writing position.

It just ain't worth it IMHO. I think the designers have done a fairly excellent job of continually evolving how we interact with PDAs, and much like the PC, VR is getting better, but is still nothing more than a novelty outside of voice command "shortcuts"...