Spanish language learning app includes Nuance voice technology

Using speech recognition technology in language learning applications becomes more and more useful.

Nuance Communications Inc., a Burlington company known for its Dragon voice-recognition software, said Friday that its voice technology has been is incorporated into a PlaySay language learning app designed for Apple Inc.’s iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices.

“PlaySay is an interactive social gaming app that connects Spanish and English language learners so they can learn useful phrases, practice with a real partner, and improve pronunciation,” Nuance said in a press release. “With Nuance’s Dragon voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies, PlaySay evaluates users’ pronunciation and provides feedback, as well as enables conversations between people who are interested in a fun, social way to learn a new language.”

Nuance, which provided the software for the Siri voice activated assistant for the new iPhone, has made some of its voice technology available to app designers through a program called NDEV Mobile. The program gives developers the ability to enable their apps with Dragon voice recognition and text-to-speech functionalities. The NDEV program supports the iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7 platforms.

Mobile apps that have taken advantage of the program include Price Check for Amazon, Dictionary.com, the Kraft iFood Assistant from Kraft Foods, and E*Trade Mobile for iPhone, Nuance said.

Chris Reidy can be reached at reidy@globe.com.

The Boston Globe |by Chris Reidy on May 18, 2012

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via http://www.speechtechnologygroup.com/speech-blog - Using speech recognition technology in language learning applications becomes more and more useful. Nuance Communications Inc. , a Burlington company known for its Dragon voice-recognition software, said Friday that its voice technology has been is incorporated into a PlaySay language learning app d ...