New cell phone takes dictation

South Korean electronics giant Samsung unveiled the first of two cell phones that translate speech into text, in the latest attempt to make it easier for cell phones to surf the Web or send text messages.

Rather than typing, consumers just speak into the phone, telling it the e-mail address and the content of the message. The phone does the rest.

No. 1 U.S. cell phone operator Cingular Wireless sells the Samsung P207 for $80 to those signing two-year service contracts. Its manufacturer's suggested retail price is $180. The second Samsung speed-to-text phone, the A800, is set to debut in the next two months.

Anyone who has tried to peck out a text message on a phone's dozen keys or on miniature versions of QWERTY keypads knows the inherent frustration, not to mention thumb strain. Especially in the United States, the irritation is a primary reason for the tepid, albeit growing, use of new data-oriented cell phone services, which operators are counting on to bring in new revenue.

For now, speech technology is expected to be used mainly for text messages. But it's just a short step from there to using the same software, provided by VoiceSignal Technologies, to "type" in a Web address and more easily surf the Web. The two Samsung phones use a VoiceSignal Technologies application called QuickPhrase, which lets people send pre-programmed short messages like "call me" or "will call you later" by simply speaking the words.

Samsung == Cheap, Shoddy & Buggy Junk

Shoddy engineering, poorly built products and myriads of horrible results... Even though I consider myself a "proud S. Korean", I wouldn't recommend these shoddy Samsung products for anyone... Stay away from it. :( Hope this help...

From S. Korea

[wazzledoozle]

And will..

the cell phone companies charge you 1 dollar for every line of text translated from voice?

[wpd2k Hotmail]

I have a Samsung SCHu-740 and use Voicetype via my bluetooth for everything from dialing a number to texting a message. I don't even want a phone that does not have this feature. It would be like going back in time to the rotary dial. I have seen and tried voice apps on my Iphone, but so far none compare to my Samsung. It works great, no more scrolling though your address book for a name or manually dialing a number. After you have used this great product you will wonder how you ever did without it. I neve have to touch my phone while driving and calling clients, just push the button on my bluetooth and tell it what I want to do.