Johnson Controls To Add VoiceBox Telematics To Car Interiors

Johnson Controls Inc. said Thursday it has agreed to provide voice-activated phone dialing and music navigation from VoiceBox Technologies in future car interiors.

The multi-year deal has Milwaukee, Wis.-based, Johnson Controls adding the speech-recognition technology to its BlueConnect wireless mobile device gateway, and names VoiceBox as the exclusive supplier. Financial details were not disclosed.

"VoiceBox's voice search capabilities will enable our customers to optimize the use of Johnson Controls' BlueConnect technology by offering a more intuitive user interface," Jim Geschke, vice president and general manager of electronics for Johnson Controls, said in a statement.

VoiceBox's technology is based on algorithms that let users control their phones or music systems using their natural speech. The technology executes tasks without the user having to memorize exact commands, the Kirkland, Wash., company said.

Johnson Controls is demonstrating the technology this week at the 2006 North American International Auto Show.