SafeReader brings speech-to-text to the BlackBerry

Vlingo has added new features to its BlackBerry app

A new service has been launched for BlackBerry handsets that could save users time when sending and receiving text messages and performing other common tasks.

SafeReader is pitched as a productivity tool and will let BlackBerry handset users retrieve emails and texts using voice controls, its creators said.

Boasting that its service was quicker than the alternative, which involves clicking and scrolling through options to see a message, SafeReader-creator Vlingo said that its service required just one button press and a voice command to open messages.

"This is a really convenient, hands-free way of getting must-have messages on the go," said Dave Grannan, chief executive of Vlingo.

"It can be useful in so many instances - from listening while you're doing something else at the same time, to sharing a message with a group of people on speakerphone. It's especially good for long messages, or for people who don't want to have to fiddle around with a tiny keypad and a small screen."

SafeReader is one part of the Vlingo application, which has been updated today. Free to download and use, the app offers speech to text services for email, text messages, social networking, instant messaging and Twitter. Other features include the ability to use voice controls to create calendar entries, make calls and update contact information.

Vlingo 4.5 for BlackBerry smartphones with SafeReader can be downloaded
free on BlackBerry App World, and works on all models, the firm added.