Software : Dragon Mobile Assistant wants to be Android's Siri |
| Dragon Mobile Assistant wants to be Android's Siri Posted:  Ever since Apple launched Siri on the iPhone 4S, voice recognition companies have been trying to replicate the same functionality on other platforms. Nuance Communications is the latest company to try and turn Android into a proper digital assistant. Dubbed Dragon Mobile Assistant, the free app is available in beta for US Android users on the Play Store. It allows Android users with Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean handsets to send texts, make calls, organise appointments and do web based searches like checking the weather. It also lets you update Facebook and Twitter, use maps and directions and find restaurants and make reservations. Completely hands freeNuance has made the app a perfect driving companion with the ability to launch the assistant without touching your handset. When enabled, simply saying the term "Hi Dragon" will activate the app. Nuance has a history in voice recognition technology, working together with Apple for its voice control functions, as well as releasing the Dragon Go! app for iOS. It's also big in the desktop voice control space with its Naturally Speaking software. Unlike Dragon Go, the digital assistant app offers a much more Siri-like experience, although it doesn't appear to have mastered Siri's digital sense of humour. Nuance has claimed it will be adding even more features to the app in the coming months, although whether that includes a release for international markets is yet to be seen. Via: Mashable |
| Skype 6 arrives for Windows and Mac Posted:  A new version of Skype was released Wednesday for both Windows and Mac OSX. The desktop client for the telecommunication software includes a few new upgrades for both operating systems, as well as individual adjustments for Microsoft and Apple desktops. Windows gets the bulk of the updates, even though a separate Skype client is planned for Windows 8, but Mac users will find some welcome improvements nonetheless. Skype gets socialThe key new feature both versions of Skype will see is the ability to sign up using either a Facebook or Microsoft account. No longer will users have to create a separate Skype account just to use the service, which should make it even easier to start using the service and start connecting. Skype will also integrate with Windows Live Messenger, Outlook and Hotmail to provide a one-stop location where users can instant message with any contacts. There's also promise of the ability to make audio and video calls directly through Windows Live Messenger. However, that feature is still a few weeks away. More languages, Retina supportThe Windows client will also play host to improvements such as a new user interface and improved telemetry. Six more languages - Thai, Croatian, Slovenian, Serbian, Catalan and Slovak - are now included in the Windows version as well, bringing the total tongue count to 38. On the Mac, Skype will finally support the Retina display, which is a huge addition considering Apple just announced a Retina version of its most popular laptop, the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Users will also be able to have multiple chat windows open at one time on the Mac, which is a welcome addition according to Skype's feedback. It should be noted there is already an issue with Mountain Lion's compatibility where the image picker doesn't work properly, but that shouldn't stop any user from making calls or engaging in chats. |
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