Nuance Combines Speech Recognition Technology with Teaching Tradition at
Cambridge University
Nuance’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking® introduces tomorrow’s
graduates to productivity benefits of speech solutions
LONDON, United Kingdom, 23 January 2006 Nuance Communications,
Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAN), formerly ScanSoft, Inc., has combined forces with Marketing
Network
Consultants Ltd to introduce the next generation of Cambridge University graduates
to Nuance’s productivity-enhancing voice recognition software on the
desktop. Nuance’s Dragon NaturallySpeaking® has been demonstrated
to over 6,000 students at University of Cambridge, and is available to help
them quickly complete course-work, assignments and dissertations. With its
ability to turn speech into text at 160 words per minute with 99% accuracy
rates, Dragon NaturallySpeaking enables students to spend more time researching
projects and sourcing information, and less time on typing notes, papers and
other documents.
Through the demonstrations at Cambridge University, students are experiencing
the advantages of the technology at a time when speech recognition is rapidly
gaining acceptance as a productivity tool and a convenient interface to many
common devices and applications, such as mobile phones, PC games consoles and
call centres. With this in mind, Nuance is helping these students become more
comfortable with speech automation to the point whereby many will consider
speech interfaces as commonplace, and consider it as an alternative to the
keyboard and mouse when they start employment.
Commenting on the use of the technology, Simon Howard, Nuance’s Professional & Healthcare
Solutions Manager, EMEA, for Dragon NaturallySpeaking, said: “Graduates,
and especially those of the calibre from Cambridge University, often bring
a fresh perspective to an organisation they join. Having experienced Dragon
NaturallySpeaking while conducting their studies, these students upon entering
the workforce can talk with first-hand knowledge and authority on how it can
increase productivity in the general office environment. Additionally, some
professions – such as medical and legal fields – are already using
the technology in a number of applications. When applying for positions after
graduation, a student already experienced with the software may find a career
advantage over other candidates.”
Hundreds of members of University staff are also using the software to help
them manage the vast amount of administrative and teaching documentation required
by the University and its lecturers. Using speech technology at the desktop
is one of many ways that desktop-based employees can enhance their overall
productivity. For more advice on how to become more efficient during the working
day, please visit: http://www.nuance.co.uk/news/20050907_backtowork.asp
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a simple to install and easy-to-use software package
that makes advanced speech recognition and dictation more accessible and attainable
for use in education establishments, businesses, enterprises and homes around
the world. Speech recognition software enables users to create letters, spreadsheets
and emails, browse the Web and work with virtually any Windows-based program,
using everyday speech.
Marketing Network Consultants Ltd has championed speech technology through
demonstrating it to around 6000 students in the last two years, and to the
Computer Officers of the University's many departments and associated bodies
at the University of Cambridge’s IT Exhibitions. Additionally, the technology
is promoted via adverts in the University press and with flyers.
Pricing and Availability
Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 Standard, Preferred, and Professional are
available immediately through Nuance’s global network of reseller partners
and VAR network. The Standard version is available through retail and is
priced at £79.99. The Preferred version is available through retail
and is priced at £149.99. The Professional version is available through
Nuance’s VAR network and costs £467.00 excluding VAT. The products
support Office 2003, XP, and 2000, on Microsoft Windows XP and 2000. For
additional information on features, pricing and volume licensing programs,
please visit www.nuance.com.
Nuance Communications, Inc. (formerly known as ScanSoft)
Nuance (Nasdaq: NUAN) is the leading provider of speech and imaging solutions
for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications
and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the
way people interact with information and how they create, share and use
documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience
Nuance's
proven applications. For more information, please visit nuance.com.
Marketing Network Consultants Ltd
For more information about Marketing Network
Consultants Ltd, please contact Mike Strawson on tel: 01722 790049.
Trademark reference: Nuance, the Nuance logo Dragon, and NaturallySpeaking
are registered trademarks or trademarks of Nuance Communications, Inc. or its
affiliates in the United States and other countries. All other company or product
names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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