Startup targets true hands-free market

Boston-based startup AdelaVoice is looking to tackle the increasing problem of distracted driving caused by cell phones with the launch of its StartTalking application. The company said the application allows users to compose, send and receive text messages using only their voice.
The company, which is backed by Stage 1 Ventures, said StartTalking allows users to speak commands, dictate messages and listen to messages without having to touch a button on their device or look at the screen, which remains off when using the application. Users only have to speak their device’s pre-assigned name, which “wakes up” the handset and begin dictating their requests. The application works for both text messages and in creating and sending audio recordings to other smart phones.
AdelaVoice’s CEO Chris Hassett noted that while the application is always ready for a user’s voice commands, it consumes around 4% of battery power per hour.
The application is currently in open beta and works with smart phones running Google Inc.’s Android operating system of the 2.0 variety or later and is available through the Google Market. AdelaVoice said it was looking at expanding the availability of the application to other platforms as well as to so-called “feature phones” that do not run an open-sourced operating system.
Hassett also said the company was looking at expanding the applications capabilities to include the ability to place and receive voice calls and to program directions using a device’s embedded GPS capabilities and Google’s Maps application.
As for its business model, Hassett said the core capabilities of the application will always be free to end-users, with premium capabilities expected to be offered for an additional charge. In addition, AdelaVoice is looking to offer the service to other companies looking to integrate the capabilities into applications and services targeting consumers that would use their offering in a situation where they would not be able to interact physically with their device.