Nuance Communications announced the launch of Nuance Voice Control, a speech-driven mobile search and messaging service specially designed for BlackBerry smartphones. The service is currently deployed in North America with Sprint and Rogers Wireless and is available on a subscription basis.

Nuance Voice Control is integrated with the built-in GPS of the BlackBerry 8800 series smartphones, allowing BlackBerry users to conduct location-based business searches and receive driving directions using their voice. This makes Nuance Voice Control the first location-based mobile voice search application that uses natural speech as input method. The business search functionality enables users to find a particular business easily by simply pressing a button and then speaking the search query. As a result, a complete list of businesses that match the search criteria is displayed on the phone screen, along with the address, phone number and map links. Driving directions can be obtained in a similar way, by pressing a side key on the handset and then requesting directions using their voice. The service also allows consumers to dial a contact, search the Internet for business listings, news, weather, stock quotes, sport scores and more, as well as dictate email and text messages or create calendar appointments using their voice.

"Combining speech recognition with GPS functionality allows easy access to feature-rich location-based capabilities using simple voice commands," explained Michael Thompson, vice president and general manager, mobile search and communications, Nuance. "With Nuance Voice Control, it's easier than ever to conduct 411 searches on mobile devices, with the added benefit of location relevance. Nuance Voice Control also brings mobile navigation to a new level of convenience. With voice-enabled driving directions, users simply push one button and speak a destination point to the NVC application. Directions from their present position are then displayed on the handset's screen. All it takes is one click."

Nuance Voice Control is compatible with the following BlackBerry devices: Sprint Nextel Blackberry 7100i, Sprint Nextel Blackberry 7520, Blackberry 7130e, Blackberry 8703e, Blackberry Pearl, Blackberry 8800 and Blackberry 8830. A trial version of the application can be downloaded here.