After Microsoft’s massive entrance in the speech industry, it’s Google’s turn to step in. Will they be the next to make a big acquisition in the Speech industry? We’ll have to stay tuned to find out.
Just read about the newest thing in Google Labs: Goog411. A new free, ad-supported, 411 number you can call to get information on any business. Much like the one that Jingle has, and AT&T. I’d be curious to know who’s reco engine is under the hood of that baby. It really makes you wonder what Google has up their sleeves next. Are we witnessing a Google vs Microsoft fight over the 7 billion dollars industry that 411 number is? With Microsoft buying TellMe only a couple of weeks ago, and Google spending the big bucks on a dumb website like youtube… you just have to wonder. Are either of those on the move to buying the big guys in Speech?
Funny that this happens right now. I was just commenting on the fact that Google would have to make a move soon if they wanted to compete against Microsoft in the blooming speech recognition industry. Just think ho many people have cell phones in the world… The total number of mobile phone subscribers in the world was estimated at 2.14 billion in 2005.
This is an exciting time to be in the speech business. It should be interesting to see the next big move.
