Mobile Voice Control Available for Other Sprint Treos

A primary component of the new Treo 755p’s enhanced software bundle in comparison to its predecessors is the “Mobile Voice Control” software developed by Nuance and included by Sprint.

A check of the Nuance web site now reveals that this application is now available for a wide variety of smartphones, including both Palm OS and Windows Mobile-based Treos. In addition to the newly-released 755p, Nuance’s MVC program is listed as being compatible with the Treo 700wx, 700p, and 680. Additional supported platforms are a large range of RIM Blackberry models and the Motorola Q and PPC 6700 WM-powered devices.

Mobile Voice Control is not just a mere telephone number voice dialing application but a voice-activated launcher for a variety of handheld device functions and online services. Advanced features such as information lookups and full e-mail dictation are possible from within the app. An example of a full voice command sequence taken from Nuance’s web site: "Add Appointment: Dinner with Karenna Date: June 7 Time: 12:30 PM" A full listing of the program’s capabilities can be found here.

However, there are at least two major caveats that will preclude a number of users from taking advantage of this application. First and foremost, the app and its related services are designed around Sprint/Nextel’s domestic CDMA/iDEN network. While most of the devices on Nuance’s supported products list are available from other carriers, a Sprint service plan and phone are required to take advantage of Mobile Voice Control’s capabilities. Users on other networks or in other global markets are out of luck at this time.

Another factor that may irk some users is that MVC is a monthly subscription-based service instead of an actual application paid for once and used perpetually. With a recurring monthly cost of $6.00, even a half-year’s use of this program.