VoiceBox Technologies Inc., developers of the world’s first conversational voice search technology, and XM Satellite Radio the U.S. satellite radio service, have announced a strategic multiyear, creative and commercial alliance to create and deliver a voice-enabled XM Radio platform to the automotive industry.

Rod Mackenzie, director of Advanced Applications at XM Satellite Radio said: “After extensive analysis, XM chose VoiceBox as its source for voice technology because of its intuitive and conversational voice search offerings that have remarkable accuracy in noisy, real-world environments. VoiceBox’s technology provides the ultimate voice-enabled user environment. Together, XM and VoiceBox will be able to provide XM subscribers with a hands-free and reliable voice-enabled technology that offers more choices and quality services.”

Through the partnership, the companies will co-develop a voice-search-enabled reference platform that will allow drivers to simply “say it and get it.” Drivers will be able to access XM Radio’s 160 digital entertainment channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk radio, and entertainment. The technology is expected to be made available to automakers and the aftermarket in mid-2006.