MICROSOFT RELEASES MICROSOFT SPEECH API SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT BETA FOR
WIN32

Allows Windows 95- and Windows NT-Based Applications to Be Speech- Enabled

REDMOND, WASH. - SEPT. 5, 1995 - Microsoft Corp. announced today that the
Microsoft Speech Software Development Kit (SDK) is in beta testing. The
Microsoft Speech SDK enables software developers to provide native
speech-recognition and text-to-speech capabilities in their Windows 95-
and Windows NT operating system-compatible software.

The Microsoft Speech Software Development Kit includes all the necessary
tools for independent software vendors (ISVs) to develop speech-enabled
applications: a Microsoft speech recognition engine, Centigram's TruVoice
text-to-speech-engine, sample source code, Microsoft Speech API and
necessary documentation. The Microsoft Speech API will enable
speech-engine and application vendors to develop Win32 API-based
software.

By enabling voice input and text-to-speech, Windows-based applications can
enhance existing computing and communications environments, such as remote
telephone access of PCs or hands-free communication from the PC. In
addition, it will enhance applications for people with disabilities, when
a hands-free interface is required.

"The Microsoft Speech SDK will enable the PC industry to incorporate speech
technology into a wide array of Windows-based applications, " said John
Ludwig, general manager, the personal systems division at Microsoft. "We
are committed to working with our affiliates to provide customers and ISVs
with the necessary building blocks for developing speech-enabled
applications."

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

The Microsoft Speech API has been developed in close collaboration with the
computer industry; first public comment for speech was incorporated in
1993. The Microsoft Speech API allows application developers to take
advantage of a number of state-of-the-art text-to-speech and
speech-recognition technologies, including discrete and continuous speech
recognition for uses ranging from command and control to full dictation.
Among those supporting the Speech API are AT&T; Berkeley Speech
Technologies; Bolt, Beranek & Newman; Cambridge Group; Centigram
Communications Corp.; Digital Equipment Corp.; Dragon Systems; First Byte;
Kolvox Communications; Kurzweil Applied Intelligence; Lernout & Hauspie;
SoftVoice; Speech Systems Inc.; Telia; Voice Control Systems; and Voice
Processing Corp.

"Centigram is excited about supporting the Microsoft Speech API and growing
the market for text-to-speech aware applications," said Dr. Bathsheba
Malsheen, general manager of the technology business unit at Centigram.
"As a result of our support for the Microsoft Speech API, Centigram has
made developing applications using text-to-speech with Windows easier."

MAKING SOFTWARE MORE ACCESSIBLE

The Microsoft Speech SDK can make Windows-based applications accessible to
the growing number of end users worldwide with visual or mobility
impairments. Microsoft, in collaboration with the industry, government and
end users, has created guidelines for improving Windows-based applications
for users with disabilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The final Microsoft Speech SDK is scheduled to be available in early 1996.
For more information or to request a copy of the Microsoft Speech SDK,
please send e-mail to msspeech@microsoft.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in
software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of
products and services for business and personal use, each designed with
the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take
advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
 
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