What is StartTalking?
StartTalking is the world’s first and only 100 percent hands-free and eyes-free messaging application for your mobile phone. StartTalking reduces distraction and improves accessibility of text messaging in situations that require the user’s attention to be focused elsewhere, such as driving a vehicle.
StartTalking is built upon AdelaVoice Conversation Services (CS), an embedded software platform built on client- and cloud-based technologies to facilitate new, innovative and interactive relationships between consumers and their smart devices.
What devices does StartTalking run on?
Currently, StartTalking runs on Android 2.0 and later devices. StartTalking also requires access to the internet (data plan), SMS capability to send/receive text messages and Android’s default (free) or other third party Text to Speech engine installed.
Look for other platforms to be supported soon. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up-to-date on product news.
How Does StartTalking work?
With StartTalking, mobile users can - for the first time - send and receive text messages without ever physically interacting with their mobile device or taking their eyes off the road.
StartTalking users simply speak commands, dictate messages and listen to responses without having to touch buttons or look at a screen. StartTalking users speak a pre-assigned name given to their phone that wakes up the mobile device, which initiates a dialog with the user to send and retrieve messages.
How do I get StartTalking?
You download StartTalking from the Android Market on your mobile phone. Or go to http://m.starttalking.com in your mobile browser. You can also send an SMS message to your phone with the download link by visiting the StartTalking download page
Does StartTalking replace my SMS application?
No, StartTalking works with the your default Android SMS application or other third party SMS applications using the native SMS integration. StartTalking provides the added benefit of allowing 100 percent hands –free and eyes-free text messaging. Text messages sent/received by StartTalking will be able to view or playback in your default SMS application along with other text messages sent/received.
StartTalking has partnered with ChompSMS for a deeper integration between the two applications. Please download ChompSMS and StartTalking for a complete SMS solution including eyes- and hands-free messaging support.
Do I get charged for sending/receiving text messages?
Standard voice, text and data rates apply according to your wireless plan.
Can I use a Bluetooth headset?
Bluetooth headsets are not currently supported in the beta release, but will be supported in the future. Wired headsets work great as does no headset (using the phones speaker and microphone).
Where can I find out more information on using StartTalking?
For general product information, please visit the StartTalking Page.
For Tips & Tricks in using the product, please visit the Community & Support site.
What is a StartTalking conversation like?
To initiate a conversation with StartTalking, the user speaks an attention, or “wake-up,” word assigned to the mobile device. The phone recognizes this attention word using AdelaVoice’s proprietary attention technology, which “wakes up” the device without the user having to touch it.
Once awoken, the phone processes and responds to spoken words through a natural dialog. For instance, user “Dave,” who uses the wake-up word “Operator,” could send a text message in the following way:
Dave: “Operator, Text Lauren”
Phone: “Speak to create text message for Lauren, or say cancel”
Dave: “Traffic bad. Running late. Meet you at the theater.”
Phone: “I heard you say, ‘Traffic bad. Running late. Meet you at the theater’, say listen, add more, try again, send message, or cancel”
Dave: “Send message”
Phone: “Your message to Lauren will be sent.”
At no time, is the user required to physically engage with the device. The interaction is a complete voice experience – 100 percent eyes and hands free.
How much does StartTalking cost?
The StartTalking application is available at no cost (free) to mobile phone customers. In the future, paid upgrades for StartTalking will be available for enhanced services. However, the core text messaging capabilities of StartTalking will always remain free. Standard wireless voice, text, and data rates apply according to users’ wireless plans.
Can I use StartTalking when travelling outside the U.S.?
Yes, as long as your phone is supported outside the U.S. by your wireless carrier. Additional fees may apply depending on your wireless plan.
