REDMOND, Wash. -- Nov. 3, 2003 -- Microsoft Corp. today unveiled its first voice-controlled software for Windows Mobile™-based Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition, making consumers' wishes their command. Microsoft^® Voice Command transforms PDAs and cell phones into virtual personal assistants by allowing consumers to experience effortless, speaker-independent, hands-free voice interaction with their phone, contacts, calendar and digital music while on the go. Voice Command moves the company one step closer to putting the digital lifestyle within reach.

Voice Command turns up the volume on today's speech-recognition technology, revolutionizing the way consumers interact with their Pocket PC. Whether users are phoning a friend from behind the wheel, checking appointments while running errands or listening to music on the treadmill, Voice Command makes it easier, simpler and more convenient than ever for them to take their connected lifestyle with them wherever they go.

"Microsoft's Voice Command sets a new standard in voice-controlled applications for mobile devices," said Dale Coffing, editor in chief of PocketPCPassion.com. "The out-of-the-box experience for making phone calls, hearing the details of upcoming appointments and listening to music is superb. Being able to use my Pocket PC so easily while driving my car or just walking down the street is phenomenal."

Voice Command uses Microsoft's next-generation phonetic speech-recognition technology, the result of 10 years of research, to make speech interaction simple, intuitive and practical. While most voice-controlled software applications today require people to deliver unnatural and prerecorded verbal commands, Voice Command allows them to use natural language to go directly to what's most important in a matter of seconds. The following key features are provided in Voice Command:

• Voice-controlled hands-free phone. Whether in the car, at the airport or walking down the street, people will enjoy true hands-free phone conversations without ever having to manually dial a number. They can simply say any name from their contact list. For example, they might say "Call Bob Smith," or they could give a number, saying for example, "Dial 555-1212."
• Voice-controlled calendar lookup. Checking appointments has never been easier. Regardless of location, consumers can simply ask their Pocket PC, "What's my next appointment?" or "What's my calendar?" and the time, subject and location of each entry will be read aloud.
• Voice-controlled Windows Media^® Player. Now voice commands can be used as a virtual remote control to select and play music by album, artist or genre so people won't be fumbling for CDs or scrolling through a long list of songs. Consumers can also simply say, "Play music," using Voice Command as their personal disc jockey.
• Voice-controlled application launcher. Consumers can open Pocket PC applications with ease using natural voice cues to launch any program, including Internet Explorer, Outlook^® Calendar, Contacts and Tasks, games and Calculator. For example, a consumer can say "Start Solitaire," and let the games begin.

"Voice Command provides a significant improvement in speech software that is dramatically changing the way people will forever use their mobile devices," said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president for Mobile and Embedded Devices and Network Service Providers at Microsoft. "The product is a great example of how we're driving synergies between our platforms and devices business to create more powerful mobile experiences for our customers."