STRATEGIC PARTNERS
February 26, 2002
MENLO PARK, Calif. - Offering an additional option in the field of airport kiosk biometrics, Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NUAN) has announced the release of voice recognition software package Nuance Verifier 3.0. The software is currently in beta testing and is scheduled for launch before the end of the year.
Nuance Verifier 3.0 records a person's voice, which is then entered into a network, where a voiceprint is created. The voiceprint is then used to verify a person's identity when they enter secure areas or make secured transactions.
"A voiceprint is not simply an audio recording of a user's voice," Larry Heck, Nuance chief scientist of voice authentication research and development, said in a news release. "Just as a fingerprint is a unique physical trait, so is a voiceprint. It's based on the physical characteristics of an individual's vocal tract and cannot be altered, stolen, or forged."
Nuance officials said the technology could be used at airports, with frequent travelers checking in at remote locations or at airport check-in kiosks.
Voice-recognition software is one of numerous forms of biometrics aimed at airport-security settings. Two facial-imaging systems are being installed in a test program at Logan International Airport in Boston before the end of the year (See story: Logan to test biometrics systems).
