July 8, 2001 – OnStar is making its "virtual advisor" solution more vocal with technology from SpeechWorks.

OnStar, an in-vehicle solution that combines Global Positioning Systems (GPS) satellite technology and wireless communications, said it is incorporating SpeechWorks' Speechify Text-to-Speech engine into its Virtual Advisor system.

OnStar Virtual Advisor combines wireless technology with recognition to deliver Web-based information – such as e-mail, stock quotes, news and sports updates, entertainment, and weather conditions – all in a hands-free, voice-activated environment with no screens or displays.

OnStar's suite of services is offered, as standard equipment or part of an options package, on 32 2001 General Motors vehicle models. It is also available on the Acura RL and Lexus, under the LexusLink name, and will be available on the Audi A4 for 2003

OnStar said Speechify's software will help improve its subscriber's experience by providing a new text-to-speech processor for Virtual Advisor, delivering in-vehicle e-mail with an easy-to-understand, pleasant male or female voice.

"SpeechWorks Speechify engine has brought text-to-speech to a new level of naturalness and intelligibility," said Mark Plakias, senior vice president of voice and wireless commerce at the Kelsey Group. "OnStar's Virtual Advisor is the most important telematics platform for bringing voice to the mass market and we are delighted to see SpeechWorks along for the ride."