I’m writing this from the first annual Voice Search Conference in San Diego. I’m also banging this stuff out real quick-like so I apologize in advance for any slovenliness of form and grammar. Additionally, the chambermaid at the Chateau de Marriott is battering the door because she insists my bed needs to be made and mints strewn lovingly across my pillow. All very distracting.

In the meantime, some scattered thoughts:

- First, somebody really needs to come up with names distinguishing voice-powered search versus audio mining (there’s ambiguity because both are often labeled “voice search”) This convention, based on the opening keynote (which I covered in today’s Speech Tech news) and the titles of upcoming panels, focuses pretty much on voice-powered search. There is a panel tomorrow called “Searching Audio/Video Sources On The Web And In Enterprises” that I will attend. Though so far, it looks like the only panel dedicated to audio mining.

- Given the great potential for audio mining (i.e., more accurate multimedia searches, targeted advertising, etc), it would be nice to see greater representation. Of course, the convention just got started, so if I’m wrong, I’ll be sure to post a picture of myself devouring a crow [We hope so -Ed.].

More on Ryan’s [mis]adventures, after the jump. (more…)

It’s time for another edition of the Speech Tech blog’s regular feature, “Crushes & Hexes.” Appearing every Wednesday, we highlight companies, places, technologies, or people we deem praise-worthy, or cringe-inducing within the speech/tech/IT world. As always, your feedback is appreciated! Email us at blog@speechtechblog.com if you have a crush or hex item you’d like to see online.

Crush: Voice Search - The Cool Kid on the Block
Why We Love It: According to everyone, voice search is the coolest, prettiest, funniest, most awesome new kid on the block. He will change the way we search on mobile phones, interact with multimedia content, and he’s so all-encompassing that he has his own conference! This March, we’re sending our own Ryan Joe to check out the Voice Search conference in San Diego. OK, it used to be SpeechTEK West, but we’re willing to overlook the name change. Make sure to look for Ryan at the conference, or contact him (rjoe@infotoday.com) if you’re interested in speaking with him during the show.

Hex: Bill Gates
Why We’re Hating: Last month, Bill Gates was heralding speech as part of the Digital Decade (a little bit late, eh?), and this week, he’s causing all kinds of eye-rolling among human rights activists. Why? Because B.G., during a speech at Stanford University yesterday, was quoted as saying:

“I don’t see any risk in the world at large that someone will restrict free content flow on the Internet. You cannot control the Internet.”

Oh, really? If that’s so, one blogger wondered, why was Microsoft complicit with the Chinese when the country enforced Internet censorship? Bill, we’re waiting for an answer…

James Dean image [eb.com] & Bill Gates image [tla.ch]