Sensory Releases TrulyHandsfree Voice Control 2.0

Sensory today released TrulyHandsfree Voice Control 2.0 with substantial improvements in accuracy and expanded voice interaction capabilities.

TrulyHandsfree 1.0 introduced single voice trigger technology, used for initial voice activation of a device. TrulyHandsfree 2.0 builds on this with multiple phrase technology that recognizes, analyzes, and responds to dozens of keywords, enabling a voice user interface that is more natural and intuitive. Thanks to improved accuracy, 2.0 consistently recognizes phrases even when embedded in sentences and surrounded by noise. Smartphones, Bluetooth devices and consumer electronics for the home and the car will benefit greatly from these new capabilities. The technology is now available for Android devices, with other platforms under review.

TrulyHandsfree 2.0 has proven to consistently and accurately respond in loud settings and has decreased false fires by 60 percent over TrulyHandsfree 1.0.

TrulyHandsfree 2.0 can be always-on and listening for dozens of keywords that will bring the device to life to be controlled via further voice commands. These keywords or phrases can be spoken in the middle of a sentence so users are not confined to a forced dialogue. In this scenario, consumers are communicating in a more human-like fashion, without the distraction and inconvenience of button presses. With TrulyHandsfree Voice Control, users are not required to hold the device to their mouth to deliver commands. The technology can respond to commands delivered as far as 20 feet away or in high noise conditions.

"Speech technology is being integrated in more solutions than ever before, but many of these applications require button pushes, defeating the purpose of a voice user interface," said Todd Mozer, CEO of Sensory. "Personal electronics in the car and home will particularly benefit from Sensory's TrulyHandsfree Voice Control. Think of the way a remote control is used. You don't get up to turn on the TV and then sit down to change channels. Consumers want convenience every step of the way. And in the car, the convenience is nice, but the real issue is safety because you shouldn't have to take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to activate voice recognition."

Companies including BlueAnt, Mattel, Kensington, Plantronics, Motorola, and Samsung have already adopted TrulyHandsfree Voice Control to improve the user interface in their products, including smartphones, Bluetooth headsets, car speakerphones, and toys.