Samsung talks up speech-to-text phone

Samsung today unveiled a speech-to-text dictation system that allows mobile phone users to convert words directly into text.

Using the advanced voice activation technology, consumers also can send pre-programmed short messages using the sound of their voice.

Due to be formally unveiled at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Samsung claimed that its p207 with VoiceMode technology is the first phone that allows consumers simply to speak the words of a message and have the phone translate those exact words into text.

Samsung also introduced a feature dubbed QuickPhrase on its a890 handsets designed to make it easy for consumers to address a message and activate one of the frequently used short messages pre-programmed into the phone.

Once in the messaging application, users can activate phrases such as 'call me' or 'will call you later' simply by speaking the words. The text is then included in the message.

"This new technology will significantly change how people interact with their wireless phones," said Peter Skarzynski, senior vice president at Samsung.

"For the first time, consumers can dictate messages directly to their wireless phone, substantially simplifying the messaging process."