IBM United States
Software Announcement 202-174
July 16, 2002

IBM ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 Family of Speech Recognition Products Delivers More Customization Then Ever Before

 ENUS202-174.PDF (37KB)

At a Glance

The Release 10 family of products feature the following:

ViaVoice Pro USB

  • Stereo USB headset microphone with digital signal processor
  • ViaVoice Documents and Voice Marks
  • Digital handheld recorder support
ViaVoice Advanced
  • Stereo headset microphone with inline volume and mute controls
  • Digital handheld recorder support
  • Portable navigation macros
  • Dictate into many PC applications
ViaVoice Standard
  • Stereo headset microphone
  • Direct dictation into Microsoft Word products
  • Voice-command your Internet browser
  • Create customized dictation words, addresses, acronyms
ViaVoice Personal
  • Headset microphone with earpiece for text-to-speech read back
  • Built-in speech-enabled word processor for dictating and editing text
  • Voice-command your Internet browser
  • Add custom words to 150,000 word vocabulary (for U.S. English — 160,000 word vocabulary)

For ordering, contact:

Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: SE001).

Overview

A result of the latest achievements from IBM's 40 years of commitment to speech research and development, the ViaVoice™ for Windows®, Release 10 product family provides the most accurate, responsive, versatile, and easy-to-use IBM speech product offerings to date for the desktop software marketplace. Chief among Release 10 improvements is a new speech engine capable of greater noise sensitivity, which can result in improved command recognition, dictation accuracy, and the elimination of unintended "breathing words". Through ViaVoice Options, Release 10 users can now adjust engine sensitivity to account for varying background noise levels.

During setup, Release 10 users now have the choice to skip the enrollment process and go directly into using the product for dictation and command and control. The command center of ViaVoice, VoiceCenter, can now be customized in size and appearance and "floated" to the spot on the desktop that's most convenient for each user.

The ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 portfolio — Personal, Standard, Advanced, and Pro USB Editions — is designed to fulfill the needs of every kind of voice recognition user, from the beginner and small office/home office user to the power user and the professional. Each Edition of the Release 10 product supports the Microsoft™ Windows XP operating system. Also ViaVoice SpeakPad, the powerful speech-enabled word processor for dictating, editing, correction, and formatting text is included in every Edition of ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10.

For Release 10 Pro USB and Advanced Edition users, additional options can afford still greater versatility in customizing ViaVoice and making it a compelling productivity tool. In the Navigation Macro Editor, users can now create customized voice macros that work across all applications, and can even adjust the speed at which their macros are run. The Pro USB and Advanced Edition also supports wave and other custom audio files created with selected digital handheld recorders.

More than just a "futuristic" novelty, voice recognition is a productive input tool that can be vital to computer users with limited typing skills, and for those with limited capacity to use computers with their hands. As with all ViaVoice desktop applications, ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 products provide a practical alternative to the keyboard and mouse.

With improvements in accuracy, responsiveness, versatility, and a comprehensive roster of Editions, ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 has the features necessary to satisfy the needs of experienced speech users, and to expand the voice recognition category to a new generation of PC users.

Key Prerequisites

Refer to the Hardware Requirements and Software Requirements section for details.

Planned Availability Date

  • August 16, 2002 — U.S. English

Description

The ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 portfolio of products consists of four consumer-oriented ViaVoice products:

  • ViaVoice for Windows, Pro USB Edition
  • ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition
  • ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition
  • ViaVoice for Windows, Personal Edition

The latest product line release of ViaVoice for Windows, Release  10 builds upon the award-winning features previously found in the ViaVoice for Windows, Release 9 product line. The ideal tool to help users maximize their efficiency while providing a computer input alternative to the mouse and keyboard, ViaVoice for Windows offers powerful new performance enhancements.

Each Edition of ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 features:

  • ViaVoice for Windows software on CD-ROM for dictation, command and control, and voice navigation of applications on PCs
  • A noise-canceling headset microphone designed for computer voice recognition
  • New speech engine for greater background noise sensitivity, dictation and command accuracy
  • New options for fast setup, including optional product enrollment
  • Numerous ease-of-use improvements in dictation and correction mode
  • Improved dictation and correction performance in Microsoft Word
  • Optional size, appearance, and desktop placement of VoiceCenter logo
  • Text-to-speech to hear your dictated or typed text read back to you

ViaVoice for Windows, Pro USB Edition

The Pro USB Edition is the flagship offering of the ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 product line. It represents the merger of high-productivity software with a digitally enhanced USB stereo headset microphone for higher dictation accuracy. The Pro USB Edition offers great dictation versatility; dictate, edit, and correct text in SpeakPad, the resident speech-enabled word processor, or in Word, Excel, and other applications within the Microsoft Office product suites, including Office XP, or directly into a variety of other PC applications. Pro USB supports Windows XP Professional and Home, Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 operating systems.

Pro USB Release 10 expands the usefulness of the powerful Navigation Macro Center found in earlier generations of ViaVoice for Windows. With Pro USB, users can create macros that will run across multiple applications. In addition, users can now control the speed at which their macros run.

Pro USB supports the use of selected digital handheld recorders.

Pro USB is the IBM desktop voice recognition product that features ViaVoice Documents — Microsoft Word-based customized templates for letters, reports, faxes, and e-mails — and VoiceMarks, which can read the name of a customized navigation macro to the user as an audio confirmation that the macro is being run correctly.

ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition

The Advanced Edition Release 10 is a feature-rich voice recognition product designed for experienced PC users. Advanced Edition comes with a stereo headset microphone with inline mute and volume controls. Windows XP Home and Professional, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME are the supported operating systems for Advanced Edition.

Advanced Edition contains many of the customizable features that can make Pro USB a powerful productivity tool, such as dictation and correction into SpeakPad and supported applications within Microsoft Office, and direct dictation into a host of other PC applications. Advanced Edition also includes cross-application use of customized macros, and support for selected digital handheld recorders.

On the Internet, dynamic navigation of the Web allows Advanced Edition users to access Web sites merely by speaking the link name, while navigating to bookmarks with a simple voice command. Natural Language Commands and Voice Navigation macros provide Command and Control to navigate within the supported operating system and within many popular Windows applications.

Surfing the Web with voice activated linkage, creating e-mail or voice chats are tools within Advanced Edition, which allow users to enjoy the comfort of these productivity features while working on the Web.

ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition

The ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition is a voice recognition product that includes essential dictation and command and control features.

Standard Edition comes with a noise canceling stereo headset microphone. Windows XP Home, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME are the supported operating systems in Standard Edition.

With Standard Edition, users can dictate, edit, correct, and format text in the powerful ViaVoice speech-enabled word processor, SpeakPad. Text dictated into SpeakPad can be exported to other text-based Windows applications through use of a single voice command, or through the Windows Copy and Paste features. Users can also dictate directly into Microsoft Word 2002, Word 2000, and Word 97 to easily create letters, reports, and other documents.

Standard Edition comes with a 150,000 word vocabulary (for U.S. English — a 160,000 word vocabulary) that can be customized to add new words, addresses, acronyms, and other personal phrases and expressions. Standard Edition users can initiate basic commands to navigate Internet Explorer.

ViaVoice for Windows, Personal Edition

The Personal Edition is IBM's entry-level product that provides all the engine and accuracy improvements found in the Standard, Advanced, and Pro USB Editions. Personal Edition comes with a headset microphone with an earpiece. Windows XP Home, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME are the supported operating systems in Personal Edition.

With Personal Edition, ViaVoice has never been easier to setup. Through the ViaVoice special enabled-word processor, SpeakPad, or though Microsoft Word 2002, 2000, or 97, you can speak your text instead of typing it, and the words appear on the screen. Dictate numbers and dates and they appear in proper format. With the pop-up window, "What Can I Say?" you can easily see what formatting, correction, and editing commands are available to you. And the more you use ViaVoice Personal Edition, the more accurate your dictation can become. Personal Edition saves you time while making the use of your computer more fun by using your voice.

Accessibility by People with Disabilities

The following features support use by people with disabilities:

  • Optional font enlargement and high-contrast display settings
  • Speech recognition products tested for use by people with mobility impairment
  • Optional display of audio alerts for people with hearing impairment

Trademarks

 
ViaVoice is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Offering Information

Product information is available through Offering Information (OITOOL) at:

Publications

ViaVoice™ for Windows®, Personal Edition ships with a hardcopy Command Reference card. A softcopy of this Command Reference card plus a User's Guide is included on the product's CD-ROM so that the user can print additional copies as desired.

ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition ships with a hardcopy User's Guide and Command Reference card plus the CD-ROM contains a softcopy of each so that the user can print replacement or additional copies as desired.

ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition and Pro USB Edition ship with a hardcopy User's Guide and Command Reference card plus the CD-ROM contains a softcopy of each so that the user can print replacement or additional copies as desired.

Technical Information

Hardware Requirements

For all ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 products:

  • Multiple processor systems are not supported by ViaVoice for Windows.
  • Additional RAM and faster processors can improve performance.
  • Recognition rate depends highly on the recording quality of the sound system.

Minimum Hardware Requirements: ViaVoice for Windows, Pro USB Edition

  • For Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000, and Windows XP (Home and Professional Edition):
    • Intel® Pentium® 300 MHz processor and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent, including AMD-K6 processors with 256 K L2 cache)
  • For Windows Me:
    • Intel Pentium 600 MHz processor and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent including AMD-K6 processors with 256 K L2 cache)
  • 64 MB RAM for Windows 98 SE and Windows Me, 96 MB RAM for Windows 2000, and 192 MB RAM for Windows XP
  • 510 MB of available hard disk space
  • An available USB Port to connect the microphone with an integrated USB connector
  • Quad-speed CD-ROM drive, or faster
  • An Internet or intranet access and an e-mail program required for certain features (Internet browsers and access must be obtained separately)

ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition

  • For Windows 98 SE and Windows XP (Home and Professional Edition):
    • Intel Pentium 300 MHz processor and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent, including AMD-K6 processors with 256 K L2 cache)
  • For Windows Me:
    • Intel Pentium 600 MHz processor and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent, including AMD-K6 processors with 256 K L2 cache)
  • 64 MB RAM for Windows 98 SE and Windows Me, 192 MB RAM for Windows XP (Home and Professional Edition)
  • 510 MB of available hard disk space
  • Windows 98/Me compatible 16-bit sound card with a speaker output jack
  • Windows 98/Me compatible 16-bit sound card with a microphone input jack and good recording capability, or an available USB port for USB microphone input
  • Quad-speed CD-ROM drive, or faster
  • An Internet or intranet access and an e-mail program required for certain features (Internet browsers and access must be obtained separately)

ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition

  • Intel Pentium 266 MHz processor with MMX™ and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent, including AMD-K6 with 3DNow!, with 256 K L2 cache)
  • 64 MB RAM for Windows 98 SE and Windows Me, 192 MB RAM for Windows XP (Home Edition)
  • 500 MB of available hard disk space
  • Windows 98/Me compatible 16-bit sound card with a microphone input jack and good recording capability
  • Quad-speed CD-ROM drive, or faster
  • An Internet or intranet access and an e-mail program required for certain features (Internet browsers and access must be obtained separately)

ViaVoice for Windows, Personal Edition

  • Intel Pentium 266 MHz processor with MMX™ and 256 K L2 cache (or equivalent, including AMD-K6 with 3DNow!, with 256 K L2 cache)
  • 64 MB RAM for Windows 98 SE and Windows Me, 192 MB RAM for Windows XP (Home Edition)
  • 500 MB of available hard disk space
  • Windows 98/Me compatible 16-bit sound card with a microphone input jack and good recording capability
  • Quad-speed CD-ROM drive, or faster
  • An Internet or intranet access and an e-mail program required for certain features (Internet browsers and access must be obtained separately)

Software Requirements

The minimum for all ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 product files is to not compress them with disk-compression utilities. Additionally, these U.S. and U.K. English language ViaVoice products require a single-byte version of the appropriate Windows operating system.

Minimum Software Requirements: ViaVoice for Windows, Pro USB Edition, U.S. English

  • Microsoft™ Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2 installed, or Windows XP (Home or Professional Edition)

ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition

  • Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, or Windows XP (Home or Professional Edition)

ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition

  • Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, or Windows XP (Home Edition)

ViaVoice for Windows, Personal Edition

  • Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, or Windows XP (Home Edition)

Planning Information

Packaging: The ViaVoice for Windows, Personal Edition package includes:

  • CD-ROM containing the program code and program license
  • Command Reference card
  • Proof of Entitlement (PoE)
  • Microphone kit containing a microphone and microphone warranty information

The ViaVoice for Windows, Standard Edition package includes:

  • CD-ROM containing the program code and program license
  • PoE
  • User's Guide
  • Command Reference card
  • Microphone kit containing a microphone and microphone warranty information

The ViaVoice for Windows, Advanced Edition package includes:

  • CD-ROM containing the program code and program license
  • PoE
  • User's Guide
  • Command Reference card
  • Microphone kit containing a stereo headset microphone with an inline on/mute switch and microphone warranty information

The ViaVoice for Windows, Pro USB Edition package includes:

  • CD-ROM containing the program code and program license
  • PoE
  • User's Guide
  • Command Reference card
  • Microphone kit containing a microphone, with an integrated USB connector, and microphone warranty information

Security, Auditability, and Control

The ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 family of products use the security and auditability features of the host hardware and software.

The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.

Ordering Information

The ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10 family of products are consumer products that have a single charge, Per Install, associated in the retail channel. 

                                                       Part
Description                                            Number
 
ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10
(Program ID:  5724-C96)
CD-ROM Media
 
Personal Edition, U.S. English                         45P8699
Standard Edition, U.S. English                         45P8708
Standard Edition, U.S. English                         45P9065
 Program Package with Sensor
Advanced Edition, U.S. English                         45P8696
Advanced Edition, U.S. English                         45P9064
 Program Package with Sensor
Pro USB Edition, U.S. English                          45P8702
Pro USB Edition, U.S. English                          45P8883
 Program Package with Sensor
Upgrade to Pro USB Edition, U.S. English               45P8704
 Program Package,
 (Microphone not included)
Pro USB Edition, Academic Version                      45P8707
 U.S. English

Terms and Conditions

Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement. Proofs of Entitlement are required for all authorized use. Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license-only and do not include software maintenance.

License Information (LI) Form Number: The LI is available electronically on the CD-ROM: Form Number L-SPFN-59XJNW.

Limited Warranty Applies: Yes

Program Services: Available until August 31, 2003.

Money-Back Guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, return it within 30 days from the invoice date to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it for a refund. This applies only to your first acquisition of the program.

Copy and Use on Home/Portable Computer: Yes

Volume Orders (IVO): No

Passport Advantage Applies: No

Software Maintenance Applies: Yes

IBM Operational Support Services — Support Line: No

Other Support: Speech Technical Support

AIX®/UNIX® Upgrade Protection Applies: No

Entitled Upgrade for Current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Licensees: No

iSeries Software Subscription Applies: No

Variable Charges Apply: No

Educational Allowance Available: Not applicable

Academic Certified Products: 

Offered to:              Students, faculty, staff of qualifying
                          higher-education institutions
Available through:       IBM Academic Certified Remarketers
 
                         Participating college bookstores


                                                       Part
Description                                            Number
 
ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10                       45P8707
 Pro USB Edition, U.S. English
 Academic Edition

Prices

The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative. 

                                        Part
Description                             Number      OTC(1)
 
ViaVoice for Windows, Release 10
 
Personal Edition -- U.S. English        45P8699    $ 29.95
 Program Package -- CD-ROM
Standard Edition -- U.S. English        45P8708      59.95
 Program Package -- CD-ROM
                                        Part
Description                             Number         OTC
 
Standard Edition -- U.S. English        45P9065    $ 59.95
 Program Package with
 Sensor -- CD-ROM
Advanced Edition -- U.S. English        45P8696      99.95
 
 Program Package -- CD-ROM
Advanced Edition -- U.S. English        45P9064      99.95
 Program Package with
 Sensor -- CD-ROM
Pro USB Edition -- U.S. English         45P8702     199.95
 Program Package -- CD-ROM
Pro USB Edition -- U.S. English         45P8883     199.95
 Program Package with
 Sensor -- CD-ROM
Upgrade to Pro USB Edition,             45P8704      99.99
 U.S. English
 Program Package -- CD-ROM
 (Microphone not included)
Pro USB Edition -- U.S. English         45P8707     149.96
 U.S. English Academic
 Package -- CD-ROM
1
One-Time Charge

Global Financing

IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Our offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware, software, and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit the Web site at:

Order Now

 Use Priority/Reference Code: SE001
 
 Phone:     800-IBM-CALL
 Fax:       800-2IBM-FAX
 Internet:  ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
 Mail:      IBM Atlanta Sales Center
            Dept. SE001
            P.O. Box 2690
            Atlanta, GA  30301-2690

You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU.

Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.

Trademarks

 
ViaVoice is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
AIX is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
MMX and MMX are trademarks of Intel Corporation.
 
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
 
Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.