Babbel Voice Recognition, myTouch Genius Button and Microsoft Xbox 360 Design
Online language-learning site Babbel has added voice recognition, giving users a real-time feedback system. As part of the lessons, users are encouraged to speak to the web-based Babbel site, where their pronunciation can be gauged and fine-tuned. Babbel has created a way to learn new languages by simply speaking to your computer.
The feature allows learners to practice and fine-tune their pronunciation skills as they learn a foreign language. The browser-based speech analysis gives real-time feedback for the user, gauging how close their pronunciation is to that of a native speaker. “We’re encouraging learners to speak and improve their pronunciation with a technical tool before they have to face real-life situations”, says Babbel’s Managing Director Markus Witte.
I think it’s great that a web-based, educational tool is incorporating voice recognition into the design of their product. As the technology around voice recognition improves, we’re finding more ways in which to benefit from it. Commercial products are now being designed with voice recognition in mind, and that incorporates an entirely new facet of multitask capabilities when it comes to consumer electronics.
The latest rendition of the myTouch Slide comes with a “Genius” button right on the front of the device, going straight to the phone’s voice recognition tool. Speak a command to your phone, to open a program, search the web, get directions, and more.
Microsoft is also designing voice recognition into its game console products, including the Xbox 360 with Kinnect. The interesting thing about a product integration with game consoles is the ability to combine additional aspects of learning processes, as well as social.
Of course, the practicalities around the incorporation of voice recognition into product design is the true appeal here. The web and mobile devices have combined to voice-activate a number of inanimate objects, from our cars to our websites. Given the drive around social media consumerism right now, I expect the standard inclusion of voice recognition will arrive in the next year.
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