Nokia, T-Mobile Choose Nuance Voice Recognition

The voice controls on your handset may soon be expanded, as the speech recognition company Nuance Communications has signed deals with Nokia and T-Mobile.

The multiyear deal with Nokia could change the way users interact with their handsets, as it could lead to dictation for things like SMS, navigation, and more. Additionally, the companies said they will be creating an open integration framework so that third-party developers could utilize this input method for new apps.

"By working closely with Nuance on leveraging their broad portfolio of mobile input solutions and to open up a framework for industry collaboration, we're not only able to take advantage of their predictive text and speech software solutions, but also help in the creation of a vibrant ecosystem -- one wherein the mobile applications and services of tomorrow can develop and flourish at a faster rate than otherwise possible," said Lee Williams, a Nokia senior VP, in a statement.

For T-Mobile, the deal with Nuance involves helping users solve problems on their handsets. The fourth-largest U.S. wireless carrier will be deploying Nuance's Mobile Care application, which will enable subscribers to address issues like diagnostic problems, billing, and more.

"Nuance Mobile Care represents an excellent solution for T-Mobile that enables their customers to solve -- right on the device -- many of the common problems they encounter, from checking their account balance and paying bills to upgrading their data plans and setting up e-mail," said J. Gerry Purdy, Frost & Sullivan's VP of mobile and wireless communications, in a statement.

T-Mobile did not say which handsets will have this application, but it can be pushed over the air to capable handsets, or it can be installed by the manufacturer.