A beta update to Nuance’s Dragon Mobile Assistant for Android lets users get more stuff done just by hollering at their handsets.
The latest version lets users set alarms, launch apps and play music on top of its existing features, like hands-free calls and Facebook/Twitter status updates – and the ability to wake up phones from sleep by barking out a “Hi Dragon” greeting.
The good news for folks using older Android devices is that the voice-driven personal assistant now supports phones running Android 2.3 and upwards too. Huzzah!
The only almighty bummer is that the thing doesn’t work in the UK. I wish we’d seen that before we started writing this article. Bah!
Here’s the full PR blurb:
Nuance’s Dragon Mobile Assistant App Expands Personal Assistant Capabilities and Availability for Android
Now Supporting Android 2.3 and Higher, Dragon Mobile Assistant Now Lets People Launch and Play Music, Set Alarms and Open Apps Just by Speaking – No Hands Required
Burlington, Mass. – December 20, 2012 – Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN) today announced that its Dragon Mobile Assistant for Android has expanded its personal assistant capabilities and extended its beta offering to the broader Android community. Now supporting devices running Android 2.3 and higher, Dragon enables nearly all Android users in the U.S. to get more out of their Android personal assistant experience with the ability to play music, set their alarm and open other applications just by speaking.
Dragon combines Nuance’s industry leading natural language understanding and unique directed search capabilities with an intelligent and intuitive personal assistant experience. Simply say “Hi Dragon,” and from there the technology of the mobile interface disappears as people can simply speak to send text messages, make calls, set appointments, and now set the alarm, play their favorite song, or get instant access to apps including games, navigation, and more. People can say “Set the alarm to wake me at 6:30 AM,” “I want to listen to Aerosmith!” or “Open Angry Birds.” And when set to its always-listening Driver Mode, Dragon’s personal assistant experience is completely hands-free.
Further, Dragon gives people direct, open access to the content and knowledge they want on the mobile web from more than 200 content providers – no blue links or paid search advertising – just a mobile assistant that works.
“Consumers asked for Dragon Mobile Assistant on a wide range of Android devices after our launch in late October,” said Michael Thompson, executive vice president and general manager, Nuance Mobile. “So we expanded availability and added some of the most popular personal assistant features.”
Availability
Dragon is available in beta for free in English on Google Play in the US, supporting Android 2.3 and above. To download Dragon, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nuance.balerion. To learn more about Dragon Mobile Assistant, visit www.dragonmobileapps.com, or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/dragonmobileapps or @DragonMobileApp on Twitter.Dragon Mobile Assistant is a part of Nuance’s portfolio of voice, touch and natural language understanding innovations that are defining a new generation of intelligent systems and personal assistant technologies, which include Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Dragon Dictate for Mac, Dragon Assistant for Intel-inspired Ultrabooks, Dragon Dictation, Dragon Go!, Dragon Drive!, Dragon TV, Dragon ID, Dragon Voicemail to Text, and Swype. With Nuance technology, people experience more humanized interactions with the world’s best phones, tablets, computers, cars, TVs, apps and services from leading manufacturers and operators. To learn more visit www.nuancemobilelife.com.
About Nuance Communications, Inc
Nuance Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of voice and language solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with devices and systems. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance’s proven applications. For more information, please visit www.nuance.com.
