TeleNav Inc. has selected the Nuance Mobile Speech Platform from Nuance Communications Inc. to speech-enable TeleNav’s mobile device-based navigation service. On select devices, TeleNav offers the ability to enter destinations for driving directions and business category searches by voice, so subscribers no longer need to use a key pad. They simply state the destination address or select from a database of more than 10 million points of interest by stating a category or by stating a specific business name.
As a result, mobile users can conveniently access TeleNav GPS Navigator on a device they already carry with them, and receive information in real-time based on their current location. By making navigation services easier to use on mobile phones, voice destination entry can significantly enhance an already fast-growing market for mobile navigation. Industry analyst firm In-Stat predicts that the total number of mapping and navigation mobile phone subscribers could exceed 70 million worldwide by 2012.
“We have worked with Nuance since the launch of the Nuance Mobile Speech Platform last year to determine the best application of speech technologies to improve the ease of use of our market-leading navigation solutions,” said Hassan S. Wahla, senior director for business development at TeleNav. “Nuance offers not only the industry’s leading technology, but also a proven history of delivering speech-enabled navigation services that improve the overall user experience. We believe the speech interface offers us a clear differentiation in the marketplace and will enhance our relationships with carriers as increased use of our service drives higher ARPU \[average revenue per user\].”