Facebook Buys Speech Recognition Startup
‘Facebook, Remind Me To Like That’
Time for more voice recognition software and tools? Always.
I’m still not sure I understand the amazing scope that all
this voice recognition stuff is supposed to bring us. My phone doesn’t seem to
be able to do much other than a web
search every so often when I ask it certain details. But, it is going to be
a big craze for the next few years as companies either pin it down or let it
fade out of existence.
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| wordpress.com |
Either way, Facebook is preparing to take the plunge into all
the virtual pillow talk as they have
just agreed to acquire Wit.ai, who offers voice recognition
software and natural language processing.
The acquisition could lead to speaking into Facebook’s
messenger service or creating more diverse options for Facebook developers. It could also just lead to us liking
pictures with a quick shout.
Facebook confirmed the purchase and commented that: ‘Wit.ai
has built an incredible yet simple natural language processing API that has
helped developers turn speech and text into actionable data. We’re excited to have
them on-board.’
Wit.ai was founded in 2013 and is now used by over 5500 developers across a wide range of
software. Initially Wit.ai aimed to simply help developers create voice
software on mobile apps, wearable devices and across the internet.
Wit.ai made a post about the
acquisition saying: ‘It is an incredible acceleration in the execution of our
vision. Facebook has the resources and talent to help us take the next step. The
platform will remain open and become entirely free for everyone.’
The price of the
acquisition has not yet been released, but I’m sure we can rest assured
that it would be enough for each of us to collectively sigh and then count your
coins as you go and buy a coffee.
In March last year, Facebook announced
that it had bought Occulus Rift. If you’re not sure what that is, Occulus is virtual reality software, mostly
used for gaming. It makes horror games
an absolute living nightmare. With virtual reality and now voice
recognition software, we can only ponder what Facebook’s great ambitions could
be behind closed doors. If it turns out to be a boost for gaming, I have to
say, I’m excited.
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| mashable.com |
So for now let’s wait and see what Facebook has planned. It’ll
be awhile till it’s used for anything other than developers, but Facebook are preparing something.
Just you wait.
Tom has just graduated from University of East London in Creative and Professional Writing. He loves writing and is currently interning as a content writer hoping to go further. His other loves include Arnold Schwarzenegger films and his dog. Follow him @TomAtSMF
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Facebook Buys Speech Recognition Startup
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Reviewed by Unknown
on
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
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