Developers dependent on industry heavyweights like Google or Nuance for voice UI services can
finally break free with Robin.
Robin Labs - creator of the eponymous personal assistant application and platform - disrupts the hegemony of corporate behemoths dominating the intelligent voice interfaces B2B market, i.e., Google, Nuance and Microsoft. For the first time, the company is offering an end-to-end white-label solution that combines both Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and sophisticated Natural Language Understanding (NLU). Until now, Robin Labs (like most of its competitors) had to rely on the three major ASR providers for any voice UI services involving speech recognition. However, this reliance is often a cause for concern to business customers, in particular with Google's expansion into new markets like connected car, smart TV and smart home.
In addition, while Google's ASR service is free to Android app developers, OEMs and carriers looking to create their own versions of Android
or use the service with other mobile platforms find themselves locked into much harsher terms including
strict limitations and/or high fees.
And Nuance is often seen a challenging partner as well, especially now that it's
rumored to be in acquisition talks with Samsung.
As a result, Robin’s end-to-end platform opens doors to partners who'd rather not be thrown into a ring with an 800-pound gorilla.
According to Robin Labs CEO Ilya Eckstein,
“Robin Labs' new combined platform promotes the company to a unique position in the industry.
It is a strategic move aimed to secure independence for ourselves and our partners, especially those in the connected car market,
who appreciate the flexibility and the data security that our solution provides”.
Consumers, increasingly weary of Google infiltrating to most aspects of their lives, may appreciate that aspect, too.
