ScanSoft Speech Recognition Engine Selected By PEIKER

PEOBODY, MA and GENT, BELGIUM - ScanSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSFT), a supplier of speech and imaging solutions, announced that its VoCon SF™ embedded speech recognition engine had been selected by PEIKER as the foundation of its PEIKER Bluetooth™ voice-activated system for Chrysler Group's UConnect telematics module. The in-car, hands-free system does not require the driver to interact with a display, providing motorists with a convenient and safe way to use their mobile phones while driving. The hands-free system meets the statutory requirements that govern the use of mobile phones in vehicles in almost every country. "During development, a particularly high priority was given to the safety and comfort of the driver. ScanSoft's VoCon engine enables users to interact with the PEIKER system solely through the use of speech, without having to operate it by hand or read information from it, leading to increased safety," said Reinhard Kromer, executive vice president telematics of PEIKER acoustic. "ScanSoft's technology allowed us to create a customized embedded solution for Chrysler that guarantees noise robustness, enables high quality recognition, and fast response times." The PEIKER Bluetooth voice-activated system allows motorists to use voice commands to control menu operations and select phone numbers. Motorists can receive calls, make calls using continuous voice dialing and adjust the volume of the hidden speaker. ScanSoft's VoCon SF speech engine supports 16 different languages allowing PEIKER to offer its hands-free system with support for German, Dutch, French, U.K. English, U.S. English, Canadian French, Spanish and Mexican Spanish. "We are pleased to be able to partner with PEIKER to meet Chrysler's speech recognition customization requirements. PEIKER and the ScanSoft professional services team worked closely together on this project and the result is a high-performance, hands-free unit that meets the government mandates in most countries," Peter Hauser, senior vice president & general manager, International, at ScanSoft. "This collaboration is another example of our on-going commitment to deliver innovative speech solutions that meet the unique requirements of the automotive industry."