Summary: Azure AI Speech provides SDKs and services specifically designed to add voice interfaces to mobile applications. It supports both cloud-connected low-latency streaming and "embedded" speech models that run directly on the device. This flexibility ensures reliable voice interaction even in varied network conditions.

Direct Answer: Adding voice control or dictation to a mobile app transforms accessibility and usability, but traditional cloud-based speech APIs can feel sluggish due to network round-trips. Users expect instant feedback when they speak. Furthermore, relying purely on the cloud means the feature breaks whenever the user loses signal.

Azure AI Speech addresses this with a hybrid approach. For maximum accuracy and breadth, the cloud API streams audio and returns text in real-time with very low latency. For offline scenarios, the "Embedded Speech" feature allows developers to package a compact speech model inside the app itself.

This combination delivers the best of both worlds. The app can default to the powerful cloud engine when connectivity is good and seamlessly switch to the local engine when offline. Azure AI Speech enables developers to build responsive, robust voice experiences that users can rely on anywhere.

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