Sun Announces Java Speech API Specification

Sun Microsystems, Inc.
today announced the release of the 1.0 specification of the Java Speech API.

The Java Speech API is a vendor-neutral, cross-platform interface which
enables developers to include speech recognition and synthesis in Java
applets and applications. This new API specifies a single interface for the
development and deployment of a wide range of applications that involve
speech technology, whether on the desktop, in small portable devices or in
telephony servers.

Developed through an open-standards process, the Java Speech API includes
contributions from the leading platform, speech and Java technology
vendors. At this time, implementations based upon the Java Speech API are
available from IBM and Lernout & Hauspie, with other implementations to be
released in the near future.

The Java Speech API allows users to develop applications for:

• desktop productivity
  
• application management
  
• speech-enabled interfaces
  
• Web page enhancement
  
• dictation and proofreading
  
• telephony call center applications
  

Other potential applications of the Java Speech API–when used with the
PersonalJava and EmbeddedJava platforms–include speech application
development for portable and small computing devices.

Additionally, Sun is releasing the 1.0 specification for the Java Speech
Grammar Format, which provides a standard text format that is used to
define grammars for the cross-platform, cross-vendor control of speech
recognizers.

Sun said that speech technology will enhance and improve the way people
communicate with computers and other intelligent devices. For additional
information about the Java Speech API visit Sun’s Java Speech
Technology area.