Start-up Vlingo has developed a speech recognition technology for mobile phones that allows users to search for local business information, songs or web information using their voice.

The application, called Find, is in beta phase at AT&T and Sprint. Consumers who use certain types of mobile phones from these carriers can download the interface from vlingo.

Vlingo is a voice-powered user interface that unlocks access to mobile phone wireless data services. Vlingo allows users to speak or type into any vlingo-enabled text box and get accurate, easy and consistent access to all the information, entertainment and communication made possible through today’s mobile applications. By giving consumers control of the mobile Internet with the power of their voices, Vlingo provides a quantum leap in usability for mobile data services that are currently restricted by limited user interfaces. Vlingo secured its venture capital financing from Charles River Ventures and Sigma Partners. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. [Vlingo]

According to Opus Research, speech recognition was a $1.6 billion market in 2007. The firm predicts an annual growth rate of 14.5% over the next three years.

Vlingo will face competition for market share against companies such as Nuance (with its Voice Control system) and Yap, which is running a similar service.