Sept/Oct 2005

New support for voice recognition technologies is signalled by LXE with the announcement of a terminal developed specifically for voice-activated operations.

The HX1 introduces what LXE is calling its ToughTalk technology. The term describes a range of features tailored to the needs of roving voice-activated operations. These include advanced audio circuitry and noise cancelling techniques. There is a 16-bit linear CODEC (decoding system) for handling audio input and output.

The terminal does not itself provide the voice recognition system; it is intended to be integrated with systems from third-party voice recognition specialists. Voxware's VoiceXML browser software is included with the unit.

LXE says it is also voice-enabling its existing handheld computers, building ToughTalk technology in them so that there is more mutual compatibility in a multi-unit environment. The company has already been working with Voxware, whose system is offered in a model of its MX3 handheld unit called the MX3X.

 

In terms of specification, the HX1 follows the pattern established with LXE's existing terminals, including for instance a 400MHz Intel XScale processor, 128MB of SDRAM and 64MB of flash RAM. There is no visual interface, as the unit is intended to be worn and to rely on audio for user interaction. The operating system is a version of Windows CE.

In the past, voice recognition specialists such as Vocollect and Voxware tended to supply their own CE-derived hardware, but LXE seems to have spotted an opportunity here for a third-party option.

LXE says it plans to sell the HX1 directly to end users, and also through voice recognition providers, WMS providers and voice system integrators.