There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to voice recognition technology. Interactive voice recognition (IVR) technology is now found in – or planned for – many diverse sectors.

For example, the Chrome Web browser now offers speech recognition that lets users dictate an e-mail in a Web-based mail solution. And that’s not all; voice commands have significant potential for many future uses, too, perhaps shaping 2013 to be the year for voice recognition as a whole.

Voice recognition is one sector that is “in its infancy” and “has great potential to expand,” according to a report last year from the Motley Fool Blog Network. However, there are many promising players in the space right now that could be bringing this technology to a head.

“With the advent of online video sharing, the ability to translate (digital) voice into text will have many applications,” according to the report. Some key players in the consumer aspect of this technology are Nuance (News - Alert) and Apple. 

For example, one innovative product from Nuance is its Swype Keyboard, which combines touch and voice input with adaptive capabilities for users’ preferences. Also, Spansion has partnered with Nuance Communications (News - Alert) on a Spansion Acoustic Coprocessor, where the automotive sector is a key market for the latter company. The use of voice commands provides a safe way to direct technology without the use of the driver’s hands.

Also consider possibilities for Apple (News - Alert) in the auto sector. The company has clearly already integrated Siri into iOS 5, but the auto market may be next. You heard that right - drivers will hopefully be able to use Siri to send messages via e-mail or text, select music tracks, check the weather, follow stock prices, make appointments, look up contacts, or access maps or directions en masse, based on media speculation. Furthermore, Siri Eyes Free technology is being used by Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Audi, Jaguar, Chrysler and other car makers, according to news reports.

In the case of Google (News - Alert) Chrome, Glen Shires, an engineer at Google, recently used a video to demonstrate the new speech recognition feature in the Chrome browser.

“With the new Web Speech API, developers can make their web pages recognize what you say,” Shires explained in a video posted on YouTube. Users basically just need to click on a microphone image and start speaking. Also, the JavaScript Web Speech API provides control and flexibility over speech recognition in Google Chrome Version 25 and later, Shires added.

Paul Thurrott, senior technical analyst for Windows IT Pro, also recently blogged that there's great potential in this feature, even saying that it “may ultimately be far more important than multi-touch” and that “this is going to be a big deal.”

Google’s Shires, in a recent blog post, even considers the possibility of “a freestyle rap battle” taking place or users controlling “game characters with your browser using only your voice.”

“In the near future, you’ll be able to talk apps into doing all sorts of things,” Shires predicts.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.