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Microsoft to Bring Tellme to Windows Mobile Phones

Microsoft is bringing Tellme, a voice service it acquired a couple years ago, to Windows Mobile phones. Tellme will enable voice search as well as voice commands for the phones it’s used on.

Here are examples of how you’ll be able to use Tellme:

  • Send a text by saying “text” to open a text box, then speak the text message and say “send” to send it to anyone in their contact list
  • Initiate a call simply by saying “call” and then the name of anyone in their contact list
  • Search the Web with Microsoft Live Search by speaking your request, such as “weather in San Francisco, California,” “pizza in Kansas City,” “movies” or “Mother’s Day gift ideas”

“Because it’s so intuitive, we believe there is a real opportunity for voice to materialize as the leading user interface for the phone,” said Dariusz Packzuski, senior director of consumer services at Tellme. “By bringing voice access to calling, texting and searching, together we reduce ‘menu surfing’ on phones and make the benefits of voice more tangible for everyday needs.”

Microsoft is hoping this is part of the equation to ultimately beat the iPhone. Part of their push with Tellme is to point out that pushing one button and speaking is easier than typing 20 keystrokes.

What do you think of Tellme being rolled out to Windows Mobile phones?

NCAA Says Facebook Fan Groups Violate Recruiting Policies

The NCAA has said that Facebook groups set up by college students to woo high school student athletes violate their recruiting policies. It’s against the rules for fans to recruit players, and the NCAA says these groups do just that.

NC State sent a cease-and-desist letter to freshman Taylor Moseley to shut down a group that wants to see high school basketball star John Wall pick the Wolfpack as his college team next fall.

Still, several groups remain all wanting Wall to play for their team.

But are these groups truly recruiting? They aren’t commissioned by athletic departments. Are fans truly not allowed to express their hope that an athlete would choose their school?

It’s understandable that schools shouldn’t be allowed to send fans to recruit. Then you would see all sorts of corruption from wealthy alumni sending expensive gifts to well, other types of “favors.” It’s not a stretch to think these offers could be made by fans of Facebook, who have no association with the official recruiting process.

But can the NCAA really stop the speeding train that is Facebook? Or should they update their rules to fit the times? Let us know your opinion in the comments section below.

Related Reading:
Facebook Referring More Traffic to (Some) Big Sites than Google
Facebook’s New Privacy Problem: Groups Created Under False Pretenses