KEY BENEFITS

	Extension to the JavaTM platform that facilitates access to speech recognition and speech synthesis
	Brings cross-platform, secure, internationalized, network-aware advantages of the Java platform to speech technology
	Provides a single interface for development and deployment of a wide range of speech technology applications on the desktop, in telephony servers and in small portable devices
	Facilitates access to existing speech technology
	The Java platform and development tools provide an attractive environment for producing speech-enabled applets and applications

The Java^TM Speech API defines a software interface that allows developers to take advantage of speech technology for personal and enterprise computing. By leveraging the inherent strengths of Java^TM technology, the Java^TM Speech API brings unparalleled portability to developers of speech-enabled applications.

The Java Speech API supports both speech recognition and speech synthesis. Speech recognition software enables computers to "listen" to incoming speech from a user and determine what is said. Speech synthesis, also known as "text to speech," provides the reverse process of generating speech from text.

Developers who use speech technology through the Java Speech API can enhance existing user interfaces and can create new means of human/computer interaction. Application areas include telephony systems, dictation and proofreading, hands-free environments such as surgery or airline/vehicle maintenance, accessibility for people with disabilities, and enhanced Internet browsing.

As a standard API for speech, the Java Speech API offers developers of applets and applications utilizing Java^TM technology several new opportunities, including:

	Wider market access: Developers have access to a wider market because the API is supported on multiple platforms
	Unique products: The Java programming language and the Java Speech API can be utilized to create dynamic applications with compelling, speech-enabled user interfaces
	Portability: Speech technology vendors can distribute compliant speech synthesizers and speech recognizers on multiple platforms
	Emerging tools market: Companies can create tools and other products specific to the Java Speech API that enhance developer productivity and user interface design

Advanced Speech Functionality

Through speech recognition, the Java Speech API offers a software interface for two types of speech recognition systems: dictation systems, and command and control recognizers. Dictation systems allow users to input text using a very large vocabulary and speaking rates that can exceed 100 words per minute. For command and control recognizers and for interactive dialog systems, the Java Speech API allows applications to define and control complex grammars. The API is extremely powerful and flexible and allows developers to easily exploit the full capabilities of the latest speech technology that is in the marketplace.

User:		Tell me about NetDay please.
Computer:	NetDay is a grassroots effort to connect schools 
		to the Internet. Would you like to see a video?
User:		Nope, but when is it?
Computer:	Which state do you live in?
User:		I live in California.
Computer:	NetDay in Colorado is -
User:		No, I said California.
Computer:	Sorry, NetDay in California is on April 26th.

The Java Speech API provides a number of speech synthesis control features. It also includes a markup language for text that allows an application to control the pronunciation and style of the speech produced. Once an application furnishes a speech synthesizer with a marked up text string, the output of that text can be paused, resumed or canceled. The pitch, speaking rate and volume for speech output can also be controlled.

Integration with other Java Technologies from Sun Microsystems, Inc. The Java Speech API is one of a suite of multimedia APIs written in the Java programming language that together provide an ideal foundation to incorporate multimedia functionality into enterprise applications. Other multimedia Java APIs from Sun include the Java^TM Sound API for high-quality audio synthesis and rendering, the Java^TM Media Framework API for synchronized media streaming and playback, and the Java 2D^TM API and Java 3D^TM API for advanced graphics capabilities.

In addition, the Java Speech API can be used with the PersonalJava^TM and EmbeddedJava^TM environments to enable speech application development for mobile phones, PDAs, set-top boxes and other small computing devices.

All of Sun's Java multimedia API specifications have been developed in cooperation with leading technology partners. The Java Speech API was developed through an open standards process with contributions from over a dozen leading speech technology companies and with an extensive public review process. Furthermore, with associated standards for cross-platform control of speech recognizers (Java Speech API Grammar Format) and speech synthesizers (Java Speech API Markup Language), Sun and its partners are providing the leading platform for efficient development and deployment of state-of-the-art speech technology applications.

For more information on Sun's Java multimedia APIs and technologies, visit our Web site at http://java.sun.com/products/javamedia.

All information contained in this document is subject to change.