IXI Mobile Teams with ScanSoft to Provide an Advanced Voice Interface for Its Feature Phone Operating System

Business Wire, Feb 9, 2005

PEABODY, Mass. & REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- Integration of Advanced Speaker Independent Voice Recognition and Speech Interface Will Increase Voice Usage and Enhance Overall Usability of IXI-Connect OS(TM) Handsets and Messaging Devices

ScanSoft Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), the global leader of speech and imaging solutions, today announced that its VoCon(R) Mobile has been integrated into IXI Mobile's feature phone operating system, IXI-Connect OS, enabling device manufacturers to offer an integrated voice user interface. Advanced speaker-independent voice recognition and speech interface increase voice usage and enhances overall usability of IXI-Connect OS handsets and messaging devices.

"By integrating ScanSoft voice technology, we greatly enhance the user experience on IXI-Connect OS-based devices," said Ram Fish, vice president, software product marketing, IXI Mobile. "Users can instantly dial any number on their contact list without having to 'train' the handset, and they are prompted by friendly adaptive voice prompts to allow complete 'hands free' command of the handset. By incorporating VoCon Mobile into IXI-Connect OS, we are adding a seamless, natural interface. We believe that high-quality voice recognition increases handset value to consumers and increases voice and data revenues for mobile operators."

The new VoCon Mobile XGT (formerly smARTspeak XGT), to be integrated into IXI-Connect OS, includes new features such as "waking-up" the device from its always-on stand-by mode by saying a trigger word, and dialing by speaking a person's name or number. With VoCon Mobile, the phone responds equally fast and accurately whether users say "John Smith, office" or "Dial 12021110023." In addition, the phone recognizes menu navigation and call handling commands and offers trainable digit dialing that can be adjusted to a user's accent. ScanSoft VoCon Mobile also adds a new voice feedback capability that gives users audio confirmation of spoken names, numbers, and other commands. This is done by "reading" from the phone's contacts list using ScanSoft's advanced text-to-speech technology - delivering a true hands-free and eyes-free solution.

"The combination of our solutions will accelerate the time to market for IXI-Connect customers, and we are pleased to bring the solution to manufacturers and OEMs throughout the world," said Alan Schwartz, vice president, SpeechWorks Solutions from ScanSoft. "IXI's participation in OMTP and strong relationships with leading carriers guarantee that handsets based on IXI-Connect OS are fully aligned with leading global carrier requirements."

IXI-Connect OS is a complete, upgradeable mobile operating system designed specifically for feature phones and data-centric devices. IXI-Connect OS is tailored to meet advanced mobile operator requirements and drives adoption of new revenue generating services. IXI-Connect OS also features PMG(R) (Personal Mobile Gateway) technology, which allows a mobile phone to wirelessly Internet-enable a variety of application-specific PMG companion devices such as messaging terminals, watches, cameras and MP3 players.

About ScanSoft, Inc.

ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is a global leader of speech and imaging solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft products and technologies, please visit www.scansoft.com.

About IXI Mobile

IXI Mobile, Inc. develops a feature phone operating system as well as messaging devices for the mass market. IXI's Operating System, IXI-Connect OS(TM), is a robust, customizable, and upgradeable solution, and includes PMG(R) technology. PMG (Personal Mobile Gateway) technology allows a mobile phone or data-centric device to wirelessly Internet-enable a variety of companion devices such as messaging devices, watches, cameras, and MP3 players. IXI's customers include mobile operators and service providers, as well as device manufacturers. IXI is a member of OMTP, the Open Mobile Terminal Platform group. IXI was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. IXI is privately held and backed by leading venture investors, as well as Intel and Texas Instruments. More information can be found at: www.ixi.com.

ScanSoft, the ScanSoft logo, SpeechWorks, and VoCon are trademarks or registered trademarks of ScanSoft, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. IXI and PMG are registered trademarks of IXI Mobile, Inc. All other company name or product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.