Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive Now Shipping in More Mio Devices Worldwide

Nuance Communications announced that it has extended its relationship with Mio Technology, which develops and markets products including personal navigation devices, to meet the latest developments in mobile services with Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive text-to-speech. As part of the relationship, Mio will bring Nuance’s text-to-speech to a broader range of its personal navigation devices. Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive is optimized for personal navigation devices and will enable Mio’s customers to enjoy the ease and convenience of a speech-enabled mobile experience from behind the wheel.

Mio currently uses Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive to power the readback of navigation routes across its integrated product line, including the new personal navigation system Mio Moov 300, 500 and Flat Series; the new PND TV series, Moov V505 and V735; and, the Moov 580. Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive is a robust, natural sounding text-to-speech engine that is specifically optimized for automotive and personal navigation device platforms, providing drivers with the ability to focus on the road while directions are read aloud. And since it’s flexible enough to be implemented in both high- and low-end devices, manufacturers like Mio are able to deploy it across their portfolio in a range of markets.

“Collaborating with Nuance enables us to provide the best mobile experience for our broad consumer base across Europe and North America,” said Justine Liu, Global Marcom Director, Mio Technology. “Personal navigation technology should engage with and cater to the driver. With robust speech synthesis that speaks in a variety of languages, our customers are getting incredibly reliable route guidance that limits visual confirmation for reduced distractions, even in the most unfamiliar of places to ultimately diminish anxiety and provide peace of mind.”

Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive is able to provide drivers with more accurate, reliable route guidance as it features dynamic information, including street names and route names for even the most complex road junctions and highways with multiple lanes and exits. Additionally, Nuance Vocalizer for Automotive is equipped to read aloud traffic alerts for connected navigation devices, seamlessly guiding drivers through difficult and stressful traffic situations, navigating around accidents, and more.

“By incorporating our robust speech technology into its portfolio of sleek personal navigation devices, Mio makes getting its consumers from point A to B simple,” said Arnd Weil, general manager, Automotive, Nuance Mobile. “According to a recent survey from ABI research, half of drivers who rely on navigation devices use the text-to-speech feature. With accurate directions read audibly, drivers are able to focus on the road ahead, limiting visual confirmation of addresses and routes to ensure a safer journey.”

Mio’s portfolio of Nuance text-to-speech-enabled navigation devices are currently available in North America and Western Europe, supporting 20 languages including all major North American and European languages.

Nearly all leading personal navigation device manufacturers and more than 100 models from major car manufacturers feature Nuance’s industry leading speech technology. To learn more, please visit http://www.nuance.com/automotive/.

About Mio

Mio develops and markets products which enable users to take advantage of the latest developments in mobile services. The brand was established in May 2002 and now has operations in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and South Korea. Mio currently employees 1,700+ employees worldwide and sells and markets its products in over 58 countries and territories.

It is Mio’s, prediction that mobile life and mobile business will be the main-stay of life in the future. Products, including Car Navigation, Portable navigation and navigation PDA systems, have been developed by focusing on the needs of customers. Mio’s brand tagline, “Explore More”, focuses on changing the way people experience the world and letting users know that they can explore the world easily and freely. More information about Mio, please visit: www.mio.com.

About Nuance Mobile

Nuance Mobile builds innovative, intelligent and intuitive touch and speech interfaces to simplify and enhance the way people interact with mobile devices, applications, and services. Nuance Mobile solutions make mobile devices and in-car systems easier to use, automate customer self-service, and optimize the access and discovery of even the most advanced mobile applications and content — regardless of technical know-how, location, environment, or physical and literacy capabilities.

About Nuance Communications, Inc.

Nuance is a leading provider of speech and imaging solutions for businesses and consumers around the world. Its technologies, applications and services make the user experience more compelling by transforming the way people interact with information and how they create, share and use documents. Every day, millions of users and thousands of businesses experience Nuance’s proven applications and professional services. For more information, please visit: www.nuance.com.