At the same time, companies can use voice applications to reach out to consumers. Innovators in the airline, financial and shipping industries have already started using advanced voice applications. Charles Schwab customers, who previously could say a company name or symbol to get a quote, can now make trades or transfer funds in the same way. This all sounds great, but as often happens with Silicon Valley's Next Big Thing, something may get lost in the translation. Voice-recognition technology is far from perfect.
Background noise can still cause problems, and the phone is really suited for only short bulletins.
The software that converts text into speech, though improving, can often sound robotic. Many observers, however, think that as wireless data get better, the phone will allow callers to ask for information with their voices but see it with their own eyes. If that's the case, Mike McCue might be making the right call. HeyAnita Inc. All Rights Reserved.