Beyond Siri: Voice Recognition Pops Up in More Gadgets

At the International Consumer Electronics Show, the idea of controlling everything from cars to televisions using simple voice commands seems to be all over the showroom floor.

Several television makers, including LG and Lenovo, introduced sets outfitted with software that lets viewers control them with voice instructions. Samsung introduced TVs that can be manipulated by both gesture and voice commands. Intel announced a partnership with Nuance to develop voice-aware “ultrabooks,” or skinny laptops, and Sony showed off a remote that can respond to voice commands. Even the wireless carriers are getting in on the game. AT&T announced plans for a voice-controlled virtual assistant that could be installed by carmakers and read directions to drivers or give them updates on the current weather conditions.