Advanced Speech Recognition Technology Enables Players to Interact with Game Characters Using Voice Commands; Provides Exciting New Interface for Gaming Experience

PEABODY, Mass, and TOKYO, March 12, 2003 - ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT), a leading provider of imaging, speech and language solutions, today announced that ScanSoft's speech recognition technology is incorporated in the latest PlayStation®2 game title Operator's Side developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ). The title incorporates ScanSoft's speaker independent speech recognition engine which allows users to interact with game characters using voice commands.

Among the first in a new genre of interactive gaming, Operator's Side provides players with the ability to use their voice to directly interact with the game's characters, offering an exciting new interface for gaming enthusiasts. ScanSoft's speech recognition technology, used in conjunction with the included Logitech headset, provides advanced command and control of the gaming environment, as well as the ability to leverage the power of speech to simulate real-world interaction with the game's characters.

"We created a new level of realism in the game play by adopting speech recognition as the natural interface between the player and the gaming characters, bringing an unprecedented game experience to PlayStation®2 gamers," comments Yasuhide Kobayashi, Executive Producer of SCEJ. "ScanSoft's Game Speech ASDK has proven to be a very flexible software development tool to incorporate speech recognition in PlayStation®2 titles."

ScanSoft's speech recognition developer kit for PlayStation®2 is a flexible, easy-to-use solution that allows game developers to easily integrate speech recognition functions into games and edutainment titles. The solution is based on the ScanSoft ASR 1600, and is well-suited for numerous applications including adventure games, role playing games and strategy games where it can increase player interactivity and improve the gaming experience. It supports American English, British English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Korean and recognizes the voices of men, women and children.

"Speech technologies continue to revolutionize player interaction for gaming applications," said Peter Hauser, senior vice president, International, at ScanSoft. "Operator's Side is an excellent example of how ScanSoft's speech technology, the power of Sony PlayStation® 2, and the creative skills of Sony Computer Entertainment Japan combine to enable an enhanced consumer experience. We look forward to working with Sony Entertainment as it develops new titles that incorporate this exciting new interface."

About ScanSoft, Inc.

ScanSoft, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSFT) is a leading supplier of imaging, speech and language solutions that are used to automate a wide range of manual processes - saving time, increasing worker productivity and improving customer service. For more information regarding ScanSoft® products and technologies, please visit www.ScanSoft.com or www.ScanSoft.co.jp.

Trademark reference: ScanSoft and RealSpeak are registered trademarks or trademarks of ScanSoft Inc. in the United States and other countries. PlayStation and Operator's Side are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other company names or product names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

The statements in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with market trends, competitive factors, and other risks identified in ScanSoft's SEC filings. Actual results, events and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof.

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