CNET Editors' note: Note: Clicking the 'Download Now' button will take you to Vlingo's Web site, where you may register and send Vlingo to your phone.
CNET Editors' review
This stellar voice-transcription application does more than search the Web or place a call in response to your spoken command. Vlingo lets you get specific, searching Google or Yahoo and updating your Facebook and Twitter status. You can also launch applications, write notes to yourself, and verbally compose a text or e-mail message.
Added support in version 3.0 also lets you vocally kick-start activities through your Bluetooth or wired headset, and the app engages a robotic voice to confirm your actions by repeating them to you, such as "Calling Home." It's disappointing that the new premium service yanks e-mail from the free offering, though you can still text other Vlingo for BlackBerry users free of charge. The premium version benefits you by reading the contents of your message back to you, rather than having you view it with yourself. The move to audio confirmation is also a move to hands-free composition.
Vlingo's set-up is still a little laborious, but the step-by-step instructions help you program a fast access key on the phone, and the help file is a good, easily accessed reminder of what you can say and do. Vlingo's transcription may be on the slower side, especially if your connection is weak, but the application makes up for it by creating a voice recognition profile that improves with use, and by letting you preview text before you send anything to the public. Not to mention, it's got the best voice prompt package we've seen.
Watch the CNET video review of Vlingo for BlackBerry:
Publisher's Description
From Vlingo Corporation:
Vlingo is a voice-powered user interface that unlocks access to mobile phone wireless data services. vlingo for BlackBerry smartphones allow users to speak into their device and have many popular applications carry out their respective functions. This includes dialing your phone, sending an email or SMS, creating and saving a memo or task, opening a web browser and performing a web search, composing a social-networking status message and more.
Version 3.0 expands support for more handsets, adds support for Bluetooth and wired headsets, includes an audio readback of your voice commands, and introduces two premium features--voice dictation for e-mailing and for texting all contacts, not just other Vlingo users.
What's new in this version:
Version 3.0 expands support for more handsets, adds support for Bluetooth and wired headsets, includes an audio readback of your voice commands, and introduces two premium features--voice dictation for e-mailing and for texting all contacts, not just other Vlingo users.
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All versions:
3.0 starsout of 10 votes
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Current version:
1.8 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"Promising but disappointing"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
Excellent replacement for BB's built in voice dialing
Cons
Completely kills VZ Navigator GPS navigation on Storm 2.
Summary
If it didn't kill navigation, I would highly recommend it. However, being as the vendor is aware of this issue and shows little interest in addressing it, I can't recommend it for Storm users.
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"Only average"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
Voice recognition is slightly better than the built in BB app
Cons
Cannot port from phone-to-phone. Voice recognition far from perfect.
Summary
Like most apps, the price is not exactly a budget buster, but I did not find the advantages of this app to warrant a second purchase for my new phone.
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"Can't switch between devices"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
Works ok at voice recognition, but could do better.
Cons
My biggest CON is that they will not allow you to switch your purchase between devices. I purchased this for my blackberry and am now switching to an Android device. They expect me to purchase it again. This WILL NOT happen. Only app to do this.
Summary
Works OK on the voice recognition. Could do much better and have not seen that the "learning" works. Again, they should not require you to purchase again to change devices. I will not buy this again or recommend to anyone.
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"such a waste"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
a good idea
Cons
loads of issues..
Summary
The slowing down in normal cell fone usage..battery issues...and a lack of customization
It even deleted my incoming texts.. and when i decided to uninstall the app..it just bunged my cell -
"Buyer Beware"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
Works decent...not great
Cons
Unrealistic reinstall restriction if you upgrade to different BlackBerry 30 days or more after purchase. If you do, and either say goodbye to Vlingo or pay again...and again.....and.....again. Each time you switch phone (huh...bait and switch?)
Summary
Ok for the money, as long as you don't switch phones for a year......ridiculous and unheard of in the app world.
I purchased 36 days ago for my Tour. Today I switched to a Curve. Surprise surprise! I can't reinstall. Vlingo policy only allows reinstall to a different model for 30 days or same model for a year (either way, must have same phone #). I will not waste my money a 2nd time. No warning (buyer beware) when u buy the product either. Goodbye Vlingo -
"Great app. A must have for the serious BB user"
Version: Vlingo for BlackBerry 3.0
Pros
It works. That is the most important thing.
Cons
Price
Only opens BBM, doesn't compose.Summary
I was able to get a copy of full version at no charge. Even if I had to pay though I would have still bought. I do a lot of txt and e-mailing. This has made it a lot easier. It can take awhile as it learns so you may have to go through and fix certain words. But is gets most of it right. The ability to open so many applications has been great. If they added the ability to compose BBM I would rate it a 5 star
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