Sept/Oct 2005

A far-reaching advance in the world of voice-directed logistics is promised by Voxware with the launch of its platform-independent VoiceXML browser, which it is calling VoxBrowser.

The company claims that this makes it possible for the first time for logistics solutions to be developed independently of proprietary voice-input hardware.

VoxBrowser is a thin-client solution built on open systems and using a Web-centric, standards-based platform. Whilst the VoiceXML standard itself is not exclusive to Voxware, it says this is its first implementation in a complete 'browser' environment.

The system uses audio as its interface. Voxware is providing its own Integrated Speech Engine (VISET), which it says is designed for demanding, high-noise industrial environments, and combining this with what it describes as an industry-leading text-to-speech engine. The company says the resultant system can interface readily with any WMS, ERP or distribution application.

 

Supporting the launch, Voxware has announced the first version of VoxManager, a Web-based software application that configures user access and administers the voice-enabled units powered by Voxware.

Already mobile computer manufacturer LXE has announced its support for VoxBrowser, which it says it will use to voice-enable its entire line of Windows CE-based wireless computers. The company says it was attracted by its open systems, standards-based architecture, and its industrial-strength speech recognition technology.

One of the first products to use the system is LXE's new H1 dedicated voice terminal.