To Appreciate Tellme Deal, Just Order A Pepperoni Pizza

摘要

Microsoft's planned acquisition of Tellme Networks adds to its growing portfolio of speech technologies. What's different is how Tellme's software is put to use: helping mobile phone users find what they want without the clumsy typing. Terms weren't disclosed last week, but analysts pegged the deal at about $800 million. Tellme's voice-command technology, including a search engine that makes database matches, is offered as a service. Companies that use Tellme for customer service include American Airlines, AT & T's 411 directory assistance, and E-Trade.