Nuance Communications Inc. has teamed with Analog Devices Inc. to develop speech-enabled solutions for the automotive industry. Nuance speech technologies have been integrated into ADI’s Blackfin Car Telematics Platform, which is based on Blackfin 16-32-bit embedded processors. Hands-free Bluetooth automotive applications employing the firms’ technologies have already been developed by Bury GmbH & Co., Paragon Software Group, and PEIKER Acustic GmbH.

Mark Gill, director of Analog Devices’ Automotive Products, DSP and System Products Division, said that thanks to Nuance, the Blackfin Car Telematics Platform “supports the latest voice-processing algorithms and delivers the highest-quality speech in noisy automotive environments.” He added that design engineers can reduce telematics system costs, size and development time, and combine hands-free wireless and navigation system processing on one processor. “The adoption of this solution will enable the introduction of commodity telematics systems to a broader range of vehicles than previously possible.”

The platform enables calls to be initiated or received using voice commands and voice-activated dialing, rather than using the traditional keypad. Car kits are integrated into the car’s audio system so that phone conversations can be heard over the speakers.