voice

During Samsung's questionable launch of its marquee Galaxy S4 smartphone, the handset-maker introduced S Voice Drive, a breakout version of its S Voice assistant designed specifically for use when on the road.

After the show, I got my hands on an untethered version of the Galaxy S4 and tested it out. Or at least, tested the driving app as much as I could while sitting in a plush, fold-down chair so deep inside a massive theater that I could barely register a GPS signal.

The interface looks smooth, a constellation of circular icons that represent all you can do … Read more

Chrome users can now tell their browser what to do.

Launched yesterday, Chrome version 25 includes support for voice recognition. This means developers can integrate the feature into their Web apps.

As one example offered in a Google demo, you can create an e-mail via your voice directly within Chrome 25. Simply click on the microphone icon and start talking. You'll see your words appear in a text box. Click the mic icon again when you're finished.

I tried out the feature and was able to dictate an e-mail message that then appeared in Microsoft Outlook. The accuracy … Read more

If a smartphone can replace your watch, music player, and camera, why not your night-light? Nightlight supplies an adjustable level of comfortable light to satisfy the basic functionality of a night-light, plus it offers sound detection that allows users to control the app by voice.

Setting up Nightlight takes no time at all and is very easy. The main menu is clean and simple to deduce. In the Options, users can choose the color of the light and the light source, and whether to use the screen or the camera flash as the light source. Nightlight also lets users adjust … Read more

There are many reasons to enjoy Wi-Fi calling, from starting video chats with family far and wide, to giving your old phone a new lease on life as a Wi-Fi-only device in little Johnny's hands. However you want to use it, you still need to know which apps are best.

There are quite a few companies battling it out in the data-calling space, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some offer voice-only calling, while others allow for video calls, photo transfer, and group chat.

Select apps share the love with other services, but others prefer to … Read more

It must be tough for carriers to make an extra dime these days with upstart apps offering customers for free what network operators want to charge for. With today's announcement that T-Mobile now supports the StarStar Me app, it's clear that TMO feels the heat. … Read more

Sometimes, a text message with a winking smiley face just isn't enough. Itzme helps you convey your message a little better, but it's a little difficult to set up. The small payoff of sending voice messages isn't enough for all the hoops you have to jump through.

This app only works on Facebook accounts, so you and the person you're calling both have to have one. The app doesn't tell you which of your friends already have Itzme set up. The app not only requires you to log in through Facebook, but requires all sorts … Read more

Walkie-talkies don't offer stellar range unless you spend hundreds for them. This free app gives you a similar experience over the phone. HeyTell doesn't give you a large amount of time to leave your message, but it works just as quickly as a text. It's a good way to sneak someone a voice mail when you can't find working voice coverage.

HeyTell only gives you about 2 minutes to speak your message. This should be enough to say what you need to say, but you might fill up a person's inbox if you try to … Read more