[Patents] Lernout & Hauspie

[Bernard Lang Bernard.Lang@inria.fr]

COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY FIGHTS TO MAKE ITS VOICE HEARD
Voice recognition software will become an important interface for
a wide range of electronic devices over the next few years as
high-tech leaders invest heavily in the technology. Only a few
companies are tackling the voice recognition market, and Lernout
& Hauspie, a leader in the field, recently filed for bankruptcy.
IBM, Microsoft, and Philips are among the other players in the
field. Although voice recognition software is expected to become
an $8 billion market within three years, many companies are
reluctant to enter the market because the software is so complex.
Microsoft has been working with Lernout & Hauspie on voice
technology and plans next year to release a version of Office
with some voice recognition tools included. Meanwhile, the
proliferation of mobile computing devices is likely to further
boost the voice market. Devices such as smart phones and
Internet appliances are gaining popularity but are restricted
by clumsy interfaces such as tiny keyboards and awkward pen-like
input devices. A voice interface would be a natural fit with
mobile computing devices, experts say.
(Financial Times, 1 December 2000)



Lernout & Hauspie recently filed for bankruptcy.

and who will get the patents .... ?


Bernard



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