Fonix Speech, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fonix Corporation (OTC BB: FNIX) specializing in embedded speech interfaces for mobile devices, handheld electronic products, video game systems and processors, announces Fonix text-to-speech (TTS) technology on three new electronic dictionaries manufactured by Inventec Besta, a leading supplier of consumer electronic devices to resellers in Asia. Besta’s newest e-dictionaries, models JA170, JA171 and CA730, are embedded with Fonix TTS and are currently available through retail distribution resellers in Japan and Taiwan. Fonix receives unit royalties from the sale of each device.
“Besta is pleased to introduce our newest electronic dictionaries featuring Fonix text-to-speech technology,” says Fred Chen, General Manager, Inventec Besta, Xi-an Branch. “Besta has been looking for multi-lingual text-to-speech technology to run on Besta’s 80MHz CPU and DSP. Fonix TTS ignites Besta’s first multi-lingual TTS platforms for multiple Asian markets.”
Besta’s new e-dictionaries feature Fonix’s highly intelligible TTS. Available languages include English, French, German, Italian and Spanish. These models feature a PC-like keyboard design and adjustable sound speed for ease of use. An automatic TTS function quickly switches the TTS language based on user preferences. For example, if the user chooses French content, the TTS automatically switches to French. The dictionaries include pronunciation exercises in French and German, and content can be cross-referenced between English, French and German.
“Working with Besta is a significant accomplishment for Fonix and its TTS market expansion in Asia,” says John Shepherd, Director Asian Sales, Fonix Speech Inc. “With multiple OEMs now marketing and distributing in Asia, the Fonix TTS solution is penetrating the handheld e-dictionary market and establishes a solid base for the introduction of Asian languages in future models.”
Fonix TTS is speech technology designed specifically for embedded devices with limited memory capacity. Fonix TTS ‘speaks’ word definitions and phrases in understandable synthetic TTS voices.
For more information about Fonix speech solutions, visit www.fonix.com, or call 801-553-6600 and say “Sales.”
About Inventec Besta
Inventec Besta Co., Ltd. was founded in Taipei in 1989. As an independent subsidiary company of Inventec Group, Inventec Besta is responsible for managing and marketing the Inventec Group’s self-owned brand “Besta.” Over the past 15 years, the “Besta” brand of electronic dictionaries has focused on sales to Chinese speaking areas around the world. Inventec Besta has successfully positioned its product as the leading brand of electronic dictionary on the market today. For more information, visit www.besta.com.tw.
About Fonix
Fonix Corporation (OTC BB: FNIX), based in Salt Lake City, Utah, currently operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Fonix Speech, Inc., an innovative speech recognition and text-to-speech technology company that provides value-added speech solutions. Fonix Speech offers voice solutions for mobile/wireless devices; interactive video games, toys and appliances; computer telephony systems; the assistive market and automotive telematics. Fonix Speech provides developers and manufacturers with cost-effective speech solutions to enhance devices and systems. Visit www.fonix.com for more information, or call (801) 553-6600 and say “Sales.”
Statements released by Fonix that are not purely historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations, hopes, intentions and strategies for the future. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s business prospects and performance. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risk factors include general economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors as discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. The Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this release.
Fonix Corporation, Salt Lake City
Investors and shareholders contact:
Michelle Aamodt, 801-553-6600
investorrelations@fonix.com
Media and press contact:
Elizabeth Sweeten, 801-553-6600
mediainfo@fonix.com