In fact, if you try to, say, call up a Web page while on a voice call with the Verizon model, you get an error message warning the two things can't be done simultaneously.

WSJ: New Verizon Service Bests AT&T in Call Reliability for iPhones

Next, Intel is investing in what I consider a Google Voice or Siri-like interaction model with a company called Nuance.

FORBES: Intel Can Boost the PC Category

So, on the European Commission's model, the UK would no longer have a significant voice over decisions affecting the European banking industry.

BBC: Why a eurozone banking union is messy for Britain

The 11- year-old company, which was founded by a research scientist, spent years constructing a computational model of hearing, then decided to apply its technology to voice enhancement.

FORBES: Audience CEO: Sound As Important To Cellphones As Touch

The feature, which is intended to reduce texting while driving, is part of Ford's voice-activated technology, Sync, and is already installed on all model 2012 Ford vehicles with the exception of the Ranger.

CNN: Ford vehicles will read you text messages while you drive

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had said back in March that the Model S would support 3rd-party apps and text-to-voice capabilitie s.

FORBES: Updated: Will the Tesla Model S be the Next Great Mobile Apps Platform?

But it is attacking with a radical business model: inexpensive flat-rate wireless data for any device (it plans to add voice service soon).

ECONOMIST: Face value

TellMe has opted for an advertising-supported business model, but also intends to charge e-commerce sites for building and maintaining their voice services and it wants to take a cut on every purchase that is made through its system.

ECONOMIST: Internet