Microsoft Corp., the world's biggest software producer, began selling new voice control software on Monday that allows cell phone and handheld computer users to control most functions of their devices by voice.

The new software called Voice Command will be sold as an add-on for the Windows Mobile Pocket PC software for handheld computers and the Pocket PC version of mobile phones, Microsoft said.

The new product could perform basic functions + such as getting contact information, making phone calls, and accessing applications by issuing voice commands. The software also integrates with the handheld version of Microsoft's Media Player to allow voice-activated control of digital music playback.

Microsoft added that the new product allows consumers to use natural language to control their mobile devices, instead of requiring them to use prerecorded verbal commands.

The software giant, trying to move its software beyond the desktop and into living rooms and mobile devices, said the new voice control software will make it easier for users to access information and functions without navigating through menus.

The new software is available for 39.95 US dollars through Microsoft's PocketPC Web sites that specialize in mobile software packages.

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