Speech-based services

Technology advances are enabling machines to speak, hear, and "understand." These advances promise to revolutionize telecommunications by creating an interface between man and machine based on speech that is natural and intui tive. These matters are illustrated in the context of an intelligent agent, the Lucent intelligent Assistant, which we have nicknamed Lucy. Lucy is a state-of-the-art speech interface that integrates customer needs across cal l management, messaging, and information. Technology, human factors, and ne twork issues critical to the commercial success of such a product are discu ssed.