Discussion on:

Say command: How voice recognition will change the world

Granted the technology behind voice recognition is impressive. But I have to wonder just how much voice will come to dominate the way we interact with computers. I hate having to work in cubicles where I can easily overhear somebody on the phone. Imagine that a constant 8 hours a day from all directions. While you might be able to wear headphones to block out the noise, it makes using your own voice commands iffy at best. And I'm not sure my voice can withstand 8 hours of constant use, 5 days a week.

Voice is great for the occasional scheduling, messaging, or search query. But I can't imagine creating a complex document with it, or writing code with it.

...I hate working with my back to everyone and dislike having to hear others chat with each other when I am trying to concentrate on a task.

I'd be happy to talk to the computer if it meant nothing else than the death of open plan offices. Give me a damn door already!

When oh when are journalists going to stop calling speech recognition voice recognition. Speech recognition is recognising WHAT people say. Voice recognition is recognising WHO is saying it. Reliable and accurate multi-speaker continuous speech recognition may change the world but voice recognition certainly won't.

Just as the internet provided a new channel, voice biometrics has opened the door to the voice channel as a secure means to authenticate who is speaking.
Over 6,000,000 voices have been printed and that number is expected to climb to 100M in the next three years. Over 1M voice e-signatures have been used to authenticate documents via the phone. And it is recognized in NAmerica and Europe as the legal equivalent of a hand-written signature.
E-SIGN
HIPAA
21 CFR Part 11
EU Advanced Digital Signatures