Malvern company 20/20 Speech has teamed up with a private company to bring talking computing to life.

Codeway, based in Colchester, is one of the leading independent companies in the field of "identification and data capture systems".

In simpler terms, this is the type of device which includes the hand-held electronic stock readers often used by supermarket staff.

Software developed by 20/20 Speech, a spin-off from QinetiQ, means instruments can be used by speech as well as by hand.

The software within the system is 20/20 Speech's Aurix speech technology, developed by the Government for use in harsh military conditions.

To showcase the development, 20/20 Speech and Codeway have developed trial software for a new handheld colour mobile computer made by Intertec, one of the world market leaders.

The new 700 Series handheld was demonstrated at ILT2003, a trade show held in Birmingham last month.