The latest buzz has to do with audio enabled software and VOIP. The combination of the ability of a machine to type dictation and the ability of the machine to flow conversations free from web point to web point is too tempting for some to avoid. There are two problem areas, first, its not a tested technology, second, dictation isn't a panacea it has its problems. Beyond these two, the actual product can affect performance and that is where your focus will be directed from this reading.

The dream of every person who dictates script, to have it be instantly translated across great distances, is upon us. "Though we may be years away from a "Star Trek"-like dialog with machines, a variety of basic voice applications are beginning to look appealing and take hold: the automated call center, where customers can get service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; voice portals, which let people use any telephone to access e-mail and other information on the Web; Voice over IP (VoIP), mostly for customer support, which merges the PC with the telephone; PC tools that use voice for issuing commands or browsing the Internet (in the earliest stages)." [Holly, Susan, 2006]

Voice portals can be extremely helpful, the facts of their use show an increase in functionality for the end user, and today, due to VOIP that is without regard to location. One large carrier through the use of keyword search technology, can provide instant on locale information that is of use to the traveler. Other forms of the use of this valuable asset involve being advised of changed to the markets, bidding, forms of transaction information, which must be kept current. The fact of VOIP, when using audio input; is a serious technology that we will likely see much more of. As stands today it has some drawbacks, the usual lack of dictation training, the usual failure of an occasional vowel that the machine does not recognize, but in those instances, the services have provided a way for the user to not be penalized for their software's failure.

The depth of use must, however, counterbalance the cost. Effective communication in this regard, means zero downtime, zero tower distance failure points, and those who are familiar with cellular know that commonly this does occur. As the use of advanced systems such as Treo 700w, not an endorsement but an example, come into play, frequent and proficient use of audio will come into the systems. The wise buyer; at this time, doesn't want to exclude themselves; from such a potential, however, the call point may have to be affordability versus future use. If the gain isn't recognizable it is somewhat cautious but financially sound to let the technology mature before buying it.