A Conversation with your PC

So, have your ever wished you could just talk to your computer instead of typing...well, I talk to my computer all the time.  However, it is usually when technology isn't going my way.  But, what if my computer talked back to me?  Have you seen Iron Man or Iron Man 2 where Tony Stark talks to his all-knowing computer named Jarvis? 

Well, according to a ReadWriteWeb article, Google is now one step closer to that technology as they acquired a "U.K.-based speech synthesis company Phonetic Labs in an effort to 'move a little faster towards that Star Trek future' where computers don't only listen, but they talk back, too." (Melanson, 2010)  There is technology that exists already that allows your computer to read texts.  However, the read is often poor as it try and not fluent.  This is going to be a focus of Google as it moves forward. 

The fact that this technology in not too far off into the near future is astounding.  It is weird to think of us using computers that can not only take in what we say, but respond.  What are your thoughts and feelings on having a conversation with your PC?

Google Wants Talking Computers, Acquires Phonetic Arts.  Mike Melanson.  ReadWriteWeb. 12-3-10. Retrieved 12-4-10.