Voice Activated Internet Porn?

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Voice-activated computer commands are close to becoming a reality, says the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), although after a year in the works, the web specification VoiceXML 2.0 is so embroiled in patent disputes it might be a long time before it sees the light of day.

There is speculation that voice-activated control of the Internet could transform the web in radical ways and could potentially give way to a fleet of new technologies and Internet enhancements, like voice-activated porn, although even just the concept is a long way from becoming a reality.

According to CNET, VoiceXML enables server data to be retrieved using voice commands and touch-tones. The technology also allows text-to-speech translation, CNET reports, which means that surfers can vocally request information to be delivered via the web.

The dispute that is keeping VoiceXML 2.0 from rushing to the forefront as an industry standard is between the software developers, the W3C, and a Rutgers University patent that claims to have patented the same technology three years ago, CNET reports. Avaya Communications and Dutch electronics company Royal Philips Electronics also lay claim to nonessential patents on the technology.

As with many patent issues facing the Internet industry, the Rutgers patent claim would mean that developers who use VoiceXML to develop future technologies will be stuck with steep licensing fees on a standard that was previously thought to be unpatented and fresh out of the starting gate.

Debate has been raging for a while now over the issue of patented standards, as seen in cases like the SCO Group's claim that its Unix copyrights make it eligible for licensing fees from Linux developers.

To ad fire to the debate over VoiceXML, the W3C recently came out with a controversial policy lately that it would only grant specifications for unpatented technologies. Many developers are furious that VoiceXML does not fall into that category and that the W3C has not been in obeyance of its own policy.

In the meantime, the W3C has assigned a patent advisory group regarding Rutgers patent claim and has so far managed to negotiate non-infringement terms with Avaya over the future development of VoiceXML technology. According to CNET, Royal Philips Electronics has transferred its VoiceXML patents for royalty-free use.

An investigation is still pending into the validity of the Rutgers patents on VoiceXML. According to CNET, W3C has attempted to contact the university, but there has so far been no response.

"Until a patent owner asserts claims, we don't see an issue," a W3C representative was quoted by CNET as saying. "The patent holder is usually in the best position to know their own patent. And whether they assert correctly or not is another story."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More