Software Makes Speech Commands Faster Than Keyboard, Mouse

April 21, 2009 - PRLog -- BOSTON, Mass. -- Redstart Systems, a company dedicated to improving the speech interface, today introduced software that makes carrying out tasks like calling up files and filling out Web forms faster by speech than using the keyboard and mouse.

Utter Command transforms speech control from a relatively tedious process that many people give up on to an easy-to-use interface that boosts productivity. It enables those who have trouble with the keyboard and mouse, and speeds computer use beyond the keyboard and mouse for everyone.

Utter Command is cognitively easy and works across all programs. Commands are also easy to combine, which makes for fast, efficient computing.

The system was invented by a journalist whose disability forced her to give up the keyboard and mouse 15 years ago.

"Today's speech engine technology allows you to sit back and dictate to your computer more quickly than you can type," said Redstart Systems President Kimberly Patch. "Utter Command adds an easy-to-use command language and powerful applets that allow you to control your computer -- call up files and folders, go to Web sites, cut and paste among programs, move and size windows -- more quickly than you can type or mouse."

Utter Command was shaped by real-world user experience and cutting-edge research in cognition, linguistics, network theory and human behavior.

Utter Command is modeled after the way people naturally use language in command-and-control situations, like communicating in a fast food kitchen ("2 Fry"), calling a play in football ("Counter trey right") or dispatching a police cruiser ("Unit 26, Code 11-31, 13th and Vine"). People find it quick to learn and easy to use because it follows the way the brain works.

Utter Command gives users one-step file, folder and Web site access. It speech-enables forms and the commandline interface. It provides advanced email, Web search, and window-handling abilities that outpace the keyboard and mouse.

A single speech command also allows you to, for instance:

   •  open a program and go directly to any file or folder
   •  set a reminder to “call John” in 45 minutes
   •  open and address an email message, including Cc
   •  go directly to any Web site
   •  move and click the mouse arrow one or two times
   •  select and delete, cut, copy or format words, lines or paragraphs in any program
   •  find any keyword or phrase
   •  click a menu item buried three levels deep

Across a series of 36 practical tasks including surfing the Web, emailing, cutting and pasting among programs, making an Excel chart and making a PowerPoint presentation, Utter Command averages 1 command to every 2.3 keyboard and/or mouse commands.

Utter Command works consistently across programs. You can use it whether you're using Microsoft programs, the Open Office Suite, or any other program. Utter Command allows users to work hands-free, but it can also be used with the keyboard and mouse.

Utter Command includes a comprehensive, easy-to-use manual that features a full reference of commands, cheat sheets, on-screen guides, lessons and self-guided tours. The Redstart Web site hosts videos of many of the tours.

The first version of Utter Command, Utter Command for NaturallySpeaking Professional, requires Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional speech recognition engine. Utter Command runs on Windows XP and Vista. It is available from Redstart Systems' Web site.

Further resources:

Redstart Systems: http://www.redstartsystems.com
Press resources http://www.redstartsystems.com/press_resources.html
Utter Command overview http://www.redstartsystems.com/uttercommand.html
Utter Command videos http://www.redstartsystems.com/videos.html
Comments from people who use Utter Command: http://www.redstartsystems.com/testimonials.html

Utter Command and Redstart are registered trademarks of Redstart Systems, Inc. NaturallySpeaking is a registered trademark of Nuance Communications, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

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