VoiceControl_bb is a new speech recognition system that runs on OS 4.1 and higher BlackBerry handhelds, including the 7100i, 7520, 7130e, and 8700. Developed by MobileVoiceControl, it is similar to an application already available from the company for Palm's Treo 600 and 650 smartphones.

As with other mobile speech recognition software from VoiceSignal and others, VoiceControl_bb requires no voice training. With it, you can use your voice to place phone calls to people who are in your address book by name, dial numbers by digits, add an appointment to the BlackBerry calendar, dictate and send an e-mail, bring up a Web site, display contacts, as well as look up a weather forecast, yellow page address and number, sports score, movie time and more.

Real world examples of VoiceControl_bb in action include a BlackBerry user saying "Call: Jim Johnson on Mobile ” to place a call by name or “Dial: 513-555-1212” to place a call by number. You can also add an appointment to your calendar by saying, “Add Appointment: Dental Appointment Date: June 10, 2005 Time: 3:00 PM" or address and send an e-mail with, “Send Email To: Jim Johnson Subject: Business Body: I'm going to be late. Start meeting without me” or search the Web, perhaps, with "Search Web: Population of Arkansas," for example.

It’s a matter of freeing BlacKBerry owners to use their mobile devices without their eyes, according to MobileVoiceControl President Steve Burns. "In a mobile environment, users don't always have the luxury of looking at their device. Using voice to control their BlackBerry enables users to get the most out of their mobile computing experience. Never before has any user been able to do so much on a mobile device, without typing a single keystroke," Burns said in a statement.

VoiceControl_bb is a available as a subscription service for $60 per year.