Speech technologies provider Nuance (News - Alert) Communications, Inc. announced today that its speech solutions are being shipped within Ford SYNC for twelve Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models for 2008.

 

Nuance speech solutions offer the automotive environment speech recognition and text-to-speech software to enable voice-activated dialing, voice destination entry for navigation systems, vehicle command and control, and in-vehicle entertainment systems.

 

With the new Ford SYNC system, a factory installed in-car communications and entertainment system, consumers are able to integrate their vehicle with their portable electronic devices to change the way they use these devices while they are in the car.

 

Ford worked together with Microsoft (News - Alert) and Nuance for the system and included Nuance's speech technologies to make it possible for consumers to operate their mobile phone or digital media player using their voice, the radio controls or the cars steering wheel.

 

"With Nuance Automotive powering the speech capabilities of SYNC, Ford drivers should never have to take their eyes off the road to dial their phone, receive text messages or select songs from their iPod, Zune or other MP3 player," said Steve Chambers, president, Mobility and Consumer Services at Nuance.

 

By including Nuance speech solutions in the SYNC system, drivers are offered the ability to enjoy voice activated hands free calling thanks to a Push-to-Talk button on the steering wheel that allows them to say the person's name they want to call. Also, when the driver receives a text message, Nuance speech synthesis makes it possible for SYNC to convert the message into audio and read it out loud as well as makes it possible for drivers to browse music collections on their digital media player or USB drive using voice commands.

 

 "We applaud Ford for the innovative SYNC program and look forward to developing even more speech solutions to improve the driver experience in the future. Nuance is excited to see the consumer interest and new marketing initiatives for SYNC, including outdoor, radio and print advertising as well as television spots that showcase the power of Nuance speech and how it is the next, natural step for in-car entertainment and driver convenience,"  also commented Chambers.

SYNC, which is fluent in English, French and Spanish, is now available on many 2008 models and is expected to be available on all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the near future.