Speech recognition on cellphones is no longer about saying a name and then waiting and hoping that the right number is dialed, many experts say.

With most early versions, users trained their phones to understand commands. But the accuracy of the function in real-world use was sketchy at best and nearly zero if the training was too noisy.

Most new cellphones have voice-recognition software already included; on some others the software can be downloaded. With the most advanced software, users can dictate a text or e-mail message, find a calendar item on the phone or jump directly to a ring tone and buy it with a simple command like “Madonna ring tone.”

This last possibility is especially appealing for carriers, which have content on their mobile portals they are trying to sell clients, most of whom cannot be bothered to click through multiple menus to find what might interest them….

The most compelling market for voice-recognition software might be Asia, because typing ideograms [sic] on a cellular phone is more laborious than using a Western alphabet. Many companies, including NEC, are busily developing products.

source: Voice recognition enters new realm in cellphones, International Herald Tribune, December 26, 2005