Nuance Communications, Inc., a global leader in speech and imaging solutions, today announced that Fiat Auto will use Nuance(R) speech technology to produce Blue&Me, a voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system jointly developed by Fiat Auto and Microsoft. Blue&Me, based on the Windows Mobile(R) for Automotive operating system, allows drivers to integrate mobile phones, digital media players and other personal electronic devices with in-vehicle systems. Nuance speech recognition and text-to-speech applications enable the system's voice-activated dialing, readout of SMS messages and media player control. Fiat Auto plans to roll out the system across all vehicles in the Fiat, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Fiat Commercial Vehicle brands. The first cars with the system - Fiat Grande Punto, Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Brera and Alfa Spider - were demonstrated at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland and at Cebit 2006 in Hannover, earlier this month.

Blue&Me includes several embedded speech solutions from Nuance to enable hands-free operation of in-vehicle devices with exceptionally high recognition accuracy, including automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech engines for speech output. The Nuance speech engine allows Fiat Auto's Blue&Me users to select names through voice commands, including name and number dialing. Nuance also provides the system's natural-sounding voice readout of SMS messages. Phone conversations and messages are transmitted through the car's stereo system, delivering clear sound.

A USB port in the hand glove compartment allows a user to connect a media player or USB mass storage device to play back music through the car's stereo system. Users benefit from a full voice enabled Media Player for fast search, with hands-free, eyes-free activation.
 

"Blue&Me, with speech technology from Nuance, is safe and simple to use," said Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat Auto. "The voice command system, which is completely integrated with the steering wheel controls and information display, allows customers to use the phone - or USB mass storage device - in a safer, more comfortable environment. We continue to investigate additional voice-enabled applications for this great system."

"We are delighted to be working with both Fiat Auto and Microsoft on this innovative and important project," said Craig Peddie, vice president and general manager, Embedded Speech Solutions, Nuance. "The roll-out of speech-enabled Blue & Me means safety, security and more choice for consumers about when and how they use their personal mobile devices. As the leading supplier of speech components to automotive OEMs and vendors, Nuance provides the most comprehensive portfolio of applications, tools and services for speech-enabling the devices and systems on which drivers rely every day. Drivers can keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel, and consumers will enjoy their personal mobile devices in a safer and more integrated environment while on the road."

Blue&Me is compatible with the largest part of mobile phones with Bluetooth(R) hands free technology. The system is currently available in nine languages: Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, German, Polish, UK English, Danish and French.

About Nuance Automotive Solutions

Nuance offers the most complete, integrated suite of technologies and services to speech-enable functions in the car, including voice-activated dialing, voice destination entry for navigation systems, vehicle command and control, and in-vehicle entertainment systems. Speech offers a natural, safe, and convenient interface for drivers. Nuance speech recognition and text-to-speech software deliver state-of-the-art performance and a rich set of features and tools tailored for the highly demanding automotive environment.

Nuance Communications, Inc.

Nuance is the leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance's proven applications and professional services.