The UK Mobile Report

Microsoft buys into mobile search

Microsoft is to buy Tellme Networks, a leading player in phone voice recognition, for an undisclosed sum. The move should give Microsoft the ability to offer location based services to mobile users who speak their requests. This could also be linked into Microsoft's ad serving system dubbed adCenter

In a statement it said: "Microsoft and Tellme share a vision around the potential of speech as a way to enable access to information, to locate other people, and to enhance business processes. Tellme is based in California and has 370 employees.

Hugh Roberts, senior strategist at telecoms consultants Logan Orviss International said: "The deal suggests that either (a) Microsoft thinks it can steal a lead in voice activated services, probably for game playing, or (b) Apple will offer a voice-activated iPhone (done properly) and Microsoft wants to compete with a unified operating system.

"Watch this space. To date telcos have not done voice activation properly - even though the technlogy has been functional and stable since the 1980s."

UKMR Verdict: It will certainly be interesting to see what this union can deliver but the road to speech recognition is paved with good intention and not much outcome. If Microsoft can change that it will surely gain a significant market lead. At the very least Microsoft can make heaps of cash selling Tellme's customer service solutions to its clients.

Vista upgrade flowchart

Window's Vista anyone?

Microsoft would probably prefer you to opt for Vista for emotional reasons such as 'I want one, I deserve one.'

A slightly better rationale would be based on a bit of logic, and what better than a nerdy flowchart to help you make that logical decision Mr Spock? The excellent BBnow.com has the flowchart solution- and you can even print it out and put it on your wall.

Perhaps there's a case for a WikiFlowchart.com someday; providing logical solutions to all life's tricky decisions.