INFONXX and VoiceSignal Partner

BARCELONA, Spain - INFONXX and VoiceSignal released VSearch, an embedded handset-server application that offers to carriers the choice of automated voice enabled directory enquiries and local search by either specific listing or category keywords. VoiceSignal will provide the speech recognition and application software and INFONXX will provide content and search support. The product will deliver to consumers a range of information services including access to traffic, weather information, cinema times, stock quotes, horoscopes, and sports scores.  The technology will be embedded into mass market handsets made by OEMs, with Samsung Electronics positioned to be first to market in Europe with the new platform. The platform will enable voice searching for mobile content such as ringtones, wallpapers, and games, and will allow mobile operators to provide additional content and applications. VSearch will be ad-supported and requires an applicable mobile data service plan.

How VSearch Works
VSearch is activated via a button on the handset and prompts the user to speak the location and name or category of a business. The system sends the processed audio information to the VSearch server via the mobile data network where the user's query is converted into text by the VSearch speech recognition engine or an INFONXX directory enquiry operator.  The requested listings along with interactive advertisements are sent to the device and displayed on the screen. The user can review the information, place a call to the business, and get a map of its location and more.

VSearch will be embedded into mass market mobile phones manufactured by VoiceSignal's strategic partners starting in the second half of 2007. The specific handset models, OEMs and supported carrier networks will be announced in mid 2007. In March of 2007 a free downloadable version of VSearch for Nokia Series 60 devices will be available online.