Alltel to convert voice to text messages

Alltel Wireless Corp. will launch a new feature on Friday that allows voice messages to be converted to SMS text messages.

The mobile company is using voice recognition software, much like that used in automated 411 lines and telephone bank services, with the aim being to provide a hands-free method of texting.

Alltel's Voice2TXT service will utilize technology by British company Spinvox , and will provice users with the option to have voice mails sent to them as text messages.

Spinvox's D2 message conversion system can understand a variety of accents, and even accepts submissions if new terms and slang are not recognized.

The service starts at $4.99 for 20 converted voice mails per month, with the option of 100 conversions for $19.99 a month.

Automatic Speech Recognition has been in development for decades and certain systems have reported accuracy levels of about 95%, at transcription speeds of over 160 words per minute.

While this speed and precision won't necessarily eliminate the use of Internet shorthand, it will be interesting to see what happens to time-saving slang ("lol," "brb," "lmfao," etc.) when it is just as easy to say in full what would otherwise be abbreviated.