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Babel speech Technology for the Owasys22C mobile telephone

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09.10.2003

The Owasys company in Zamudio has chosen Babel technology, world leader and pioneer in speech technologies, for its new Owasys22C mobile telephone. This mobile phone has been designed and developed by Owasys specifically for those persons who are blind or visually impaired. Initially the Owasys22C will have the Spanish and English version of Babel so that other languages can be added afterwards.

The launching of the Owasys22C on to the market will enable the visually impaired and the blind to enjoy the benefits offered by mobile telephones. Until now many of the functions of mobile phones caused problems for people who could not see the keypad or screen. The Owasys22C solves this problem with the Babel PocketBabil which the user speaks: it tells the user who is being called, it reads names, messages and confirms written messages, etc. Its ergonomic design and sophisticated voice synthesis makes the Owasys22C an essential tool within the generation of mobile phones for the visually impaired.

PocketBabil is the principal element of the voice of Babel, a Babel high-quality multi-language synthesiser. This patented technology is available in 18 languages. Its software functions currently in WinCE, Symbian, Linux systems or on platforms without an OS. PocketBabil can pronounce sounds with a specific voice or language and with significant verbal fluidity in its delivery. It is a single-system software that does not require many hardware resources in terms of memory or system load.

Owasys

In October 2002 the Owasys company was recognised as a member of the Bluetooth TM Car Working Group, an important forum for international standards. In December of the same year it acquired 10% of P4Q Electronics shares, one of the principal companies manufacturing electronic plates and products in Spain. As well as in Spain and Portugal, it has done co-operation deals with distributors in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France.

Amongst its most recent achievements is the joint agreement signed with the Spanish National Organisation of the Blind (ONCE) to develop mobile telephone designed for the visually impaired.

Contact :
Maite Gutierrez Alvaro
Owasys
maite@vk.euskalnet.net
(+34) 94 401 53 06

Maite Gutierrez Alvaro | Source: Basque research
Further information: www.basqueresearch.com/berria_irakurri.asp?Gelaxka=1_1&Berri_Kod=334&hizk=I

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