ESRB Updates iPhone App with Voice Search

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the group that assigns the age and content ratings for video games, has updated its iPhone app to include voice recognition.

According to the ESRB, parents can now access a game's "rating summary" in detail by simply speaking the name of the game into their iDevice. This capability is powered by MeMeMe.

Existing search methods included snapping a picture of a game box to do a visual search powered by IQ Engines, and typing in traditional text (the name of the game).

The move is tied to the approaching holiday shopping seasons when kids generally expect new games under the Christmas tree.

Commenting on their new release, Patricia Vance, ESRB president, said: "Rating summaries offer a comprehensive and detailed description of the types of content a parent would want to know about before making that final decision to buy a game.”

"Putting that level of detail into parents' hands where they often need it most – in the store – is what makes our mobile app such a valuable resource. And now, with the addition of voice recognition, that information is even easier to access," said Vance.

"While parents find the ESRB ratings to be a useful source of guidance, sometimes there's a need for a more detailed account of a game's content before bringing it home," added Vance. "With a quick search and a glance at the rating summary, a parent can confidently decide whether a game is right for their child."

Those who download the free app now can also enter for the chance to win a new, unspecified video game console or a $200 GameStop gift card. Users must submit their entries by December 23, 2011, said ESRB.

The ESRB Rating Search App is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 4.0 or later. The software is also available for Android and Windows Phone devices.

Download ESRB Rating Search App (Free)