IBM ViaVoice
| Company type | Software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Speech recognition software |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Products | Speech recognition software solutions |
| Parent | IBM |
IBM ViaVoice comprised a suite of language-specific continuous speech recognition software solutions developed by IBM. The most recent stable release, version 9.0, enabled direct text input into Microsoft Word and was mainly intended for use on embedded systems.
One of its notable capabilities was the 'quick training' and 'enrollment' procedure, where users would read predetermined words and phrases to customize the software according to their unique voice and speech patterns. This training phase, typically lasting an hour or longer, enhanced recognition accuracy by adjusting the acoustic model to individual users. Furthermore, personalized text files could be utilized to fine-tune the language model, and manually correcting misinterpreted words contributed to further improvements in recognition quality.
Editions
IBM ViaVoice was available in several editions designed to meet diverse business requirements, including:
- Advanced Edition,
- Standard Edition,
- Personal Edition,
- ViaVoice for Mac OS X Edition,
- Pro USB Edition,
- Simple Dictation for Mac.
ViaVoice 98™ came in Home, Office, and Executive Editions and supported multiple languages such as Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, UK English, and US English. The Executive Edition provided dictation and voice command functionality compatible with most Windows applications.
Primarily optimized for Windows 95, 98, and NT 4.0, ViaVoice also maintained solid performance on Windows 7.
The Executive package included:
- software and user manual on CD-ROM;
- headset from Andrea Electronics Corporation™ with an adapter plug suitable for Sound Blaster™ sound cards and ThinkPad™ computers;
- a printed card listing voice commands;
- one month of telephone support services.
History
Preceding ViaVoice, IBM introduced the IBM Personal Dictation System (later renamed VoiceType) in 1993, compatible with Windows, AIX, and OS/2 platforms. ViaVoice was officially launched in 1997; by 1999, IBM was offering a complimentary version.
In 2003, IBM granted ScanSoft—owner of rival product Dragon NaturallySpeaking—exclusive worldwide rights to distribute ViaVoice Desktop on Windows and Mac OS X. Subsequently, ScanSoft merged with Nuance in 2005, strengthening their market position.
See also
External links
- at IBM