AirTel launches for speech recognition service

CHENNAI: AirTel has launched Simply TALK, the first speech recognition system, for its mobile subscribers in Chennai. Simply TALK would enable speech-activated access to a host of information services.

The service available from January 17, 2003 would cost Rs 4 per minute. Subscribers need to dial 646 and then just speak out the service they wish to access, to be automatically connected. To get the latest update on cricket, subscribers need to dial 646 initially and then say "Cricket" to get updated on the latest news from cricket. Currently through 646 one can avail information on news, stocks, horoscope, cricket and ring tones. The service is available for both post-paid and pre-paid subscribers.

The company is not willing to disclose the service provider for the speech recognition system, which is actually a Bangalore-based company. AirTel crossed the figure of two lakh customers in Chennai. Out of the existing subscribers, they plan to generate 10 percent-15 percent revenue for Simply TALK.