Royal Philips Electronics has released SpeechExec 2.0, a firmware upgrade to its dictation software for BlackBerry smartphones. The software upgrade includes multiple new features that were designed to enhance mobile dictation by providing the ability to more easily transmit data, include more data in the recording files and make the smartphone a full-fledged dictation device.

"Today's work environment requires people to maintain a high level of productivity even during business trips," according to Thomas Brauner, senior director and category leader at Philips Speech Processing. "To accommodate this demand, we incorporated innovative features to help users transmit the most information possible and not delay transcription services."

SpeechExec 2.0 for BlackBerry is available as a dictation service for individual users and smaller companies as well as enterprise software for larger organizations with as many as 1,000 users.

Both versions offer the ability to send files via e-mail, FTP/S, HTTP/S, or use the device's WLAN connection, meaning that transmission can take place from anywhere. In addition, users can now attach photos to recordings. High-quality file compression requires about one minute for the transmission of approximately 100 KB over a cellular network.

After transcription, the text document can be returned to the author's BlackBerry via e-mail.

SpeechExec 2.0 is available on the latest models of the smart phone, including Bold 9700, Storm 9520, Curve 8520, Curve 8900 and Pearl Flip 8220.