For home use

Mar 18, 2005 09:10 GMT  ·  By

The idea of centralizing all communication channels on a relatively broad area to a single device, the size of a coin, exists since? Star Trek. Who wouldn't like to play Picard and, at the same time, control all communication channels and all automated systems in a confined space?

And if the device can be voice-operated, we'd love it even more. Siemens came up with a futuristic device, closer to Enterprise's world, offering strong communication power through a Bluetooth badge.

The gadget is in fact a portable hub, which transmits the vocal data to a central server, where a dedicated program transforms the words into precise commands to all the connected systems. There is also a pendant version of the device.

Both models can replace a hands-free device, which can often become uncomfortable. Siemens developed special acoustics that allow the microphone to be placed in the immediate vicinity of the speaker, without interferences.

Thus, the user can control the intercom, talk to the outside visitor, and then vocally control the closing systems of the main gate, with the use of a single device.

Of course the gadget had to have something to do with the telephony, as well, so it can support landline calls and can divert the calls to a speaker. There is also the possibility of controlling the mail client on a PC. The voice recognizing program can detect new messages, and then read them out loud.

The device doesn't memorize the owner's vocal timbre, and it can recognize 30,000 terms. However, short touch dial-like commands can be memorized.