XBS Jason

ScanSoft, Inc., the leading supplier of speech and imaging solutions, today
announced that Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games), a leading global publisher
of multi-platform interactive entertainment, has incorporated ScanSoft's speech
recognition software into its newest PlayStation® 2 release, SWAT: Global
Strike Team (GST). With this agreement, VU Games has licensed ScanSoft's Automatic
Speech Recognition (ASR) 1600 speech recognition software to provide speech-enabled
command and control for a variety of pivotal game actions and events in SWAT:
GST, available for the PlayStation&reg;2 computer entertainment system. </p>
<p>SWAT: GST allows multiple players to interact with characters within the game
through ScanSoft's speech recognition software. SWAT: GST is the latest in a
new generation of games and applications that use the power of speech recognition
to provide advanced command and control of the gaming environment, as well as
real-life interaction for gaming enthusiasts. Players have the unique ability
to issue squad commands to in-game teammates and speak compliance orders to
both in-game hostages and suspects. </p>
<p>&quot;SWAT: Global Strike Team's unique use of speech recognition sets a new
standard for interactive play in home video games,&quot; said Nicholas Longano,
Group VP Marketing, Vivendi Universal Games. &quot;Partnering with ScanSoft
has enabled Vivendi Universal Games to provide a new accent on tactical combat
game play, and we're excited to push the limits of the gaming experience with
this new offering.&quot; </p>
<p>SWAT: GST gives players the option to use speech recognition technology to
issue commands, in place of using the handheld game pad, as they lead a team
of military specialists in the fight against worldwide terrorist organizations.
Within the game, there are a variety of verbal commands associated with each
action. These voice commands are used within the following command categories:
</p>
<ul>
<li> <strong>Team Commands:</strong> Team commands are used to initiate orders
to in-game team members and to designate an in-game teammate to perform the
order. Commands can be directed to the entire team or select individuals within
the team. </li>
<li> <strong>Order Commands:</strong> Order commands tell a teammate or entire
team what actions to perform such as issuing the command &quot;fall in&quot;
to instruct a teammate to regroup. </li>
<li> <strong>Compliance Commands:</strong> Compliance commands are used to get
hostages to drop and get out of the way and to get suspects to lay down their
weapons. </li>
</ul>
<p>&quot;Speech technology continues to be at the forefront of changing trends
for all types of industries,&quot; said Alan Schwartz, senior vice president
and general manager of Embedded Speech Solutions at ScanSoft. &quot;Working
with Vivendi Universal Games further expands ScanSoft's reach into the home
entertainment marketplace. We see this market as an important growth opportunity
for ScanSoft and we'll continue to work with Vivendi Universal and our other
home gaming partners to develop more advanced systems for the gaming environment.&quot;
</p>
<p>Optimized for PlayStation 2&reg;, ScanSoft's ASR 1600 SDK increases player interactivity
and improves the overall gaming experience. The speech recognition engine is
ideal for basic command and control functions as well as enabling the end-user
to perform complex operations simply by speaking. </p>
<p>SWAT: GST with the optional speech recognition system from ScanSoft will be
available on the PlayStation&reg;2 computer entertainment system and will ship
to retailers worldwide early November 2003 for a suggested retail price of $49.99
with an ESRB &quot;Mature&quot; rating. </p>
<p><strong>About Vivendi Universal Games</strong><br>
Headquartered in New York, Vivendi Universal Games (<a href="http://www.vugames.com" target="_blank">www.vugames.com</a>)
is a global leader in multi-platform interactive entertainment. A leading publisher
of PC, console and online-based interactive content, Vivendi Universal Games'
portfolio of development studios includes Black Label Games, Blizzard Entertainment,
Coktel, Fox Interactive, Knowledge Adventure, NDA Productions, Sierra Entertainment
and Universal Interactive. Through its Partner Publishing Group, Vivendi Universal
Games also co-publishes and/or distributes interactive products for a number
of strategic partners, including Crave Entertainment, Interplay, Majesco, Mythic
Entertainment and Simon &amp; Schuster, among others. </p>
<p><strong>About ScanSoft Embedded Speech Solutions (ESS)</strong><br>
ScanSoft's Embedded Speech Solutions (ESS) is a leading provider of speech technologies
and applications used within automobiles, handsets, consumer devices, talking
dictionaries and electronic games. ESS solutions provide an easy-to-use interface
for communicating with devices that relieves common frustrations and hazards,
or creates a compelling new form of interaction. ESS supplies its leading speech
technologies and applications to companies worldwide including Citroen, Clarion,
Delphi, Ford, General Motors, Motorola, Nokia, Pioneer, Sony and Visteon. For
more information, visit <a href="http://www.scansoft.com/embedded/" target="_blank">http://www.scansoft.com/embedded/</a>.
</p>
<p><strong>About ScanSoft, Inc.</strong><br>
ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is the leading supplier of speech and imaging
solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving
time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more
information regarding ScanSoft products and technologies, please visit <a href="http://www.ScanSoft.com" target="_blank">www.ScanSoft.com</a>.
</p>
<p>ScanSoft and the ScanSoft logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft,
Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other company or product
names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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