LG phone to sport always-on voice commands in 2014 -- report

LG is hard at work on a new smartphone that will allow for always-on voice commands, a new report claims.

The handset, which will launch in 2014, will allow users to speak commands without needing to touch the screen first, Gotta Be Mobile is reporting on Tuesday, citing three people who claim to have knowledge of LG's plans.The technology will also allow for a broader range of commands than those available now.

Although Gotta Be Mobile cites LG's plans, it's highly likely that it won't be alone in launching a device next year that features always-on voice commands. In order to take advantage of that technology, LG's device will run the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor -- a chip designed with always-on voice command functionality.

Originally unveiled earlier this year, the Snapdragon 800 processor will allow users to activate the feature by simply saying hello to the device. The chip is capable of learning the device owner's voice to ensure others can't call out commands and access information. Where current voice implementations require users to press a button or the screen to be activated, the always-on functionality will always listen. Qualcomm has reassured vendors that the technology won't negatively impact battery lives.

Chances are, always-on voice commands running on a wide array of devices from a variety of vendors will be making their way to Mobile World Congress in February.