VoxSciences has introduced a service that delivers voicemails as text messages or emails, removing the need for users to listen to messages.

Available from today, the service uses what VoxSciences calls its Virtual Engine for Recognition of Basic Speech (Verbs) to convert voicemails into plain text that can be delivered as SMS or email.

The service can be activated from the VoxSciences website, and requires no software to download. There is no need for users to change their handset, phone number or mobile operator, according to the firm.

Prices range from £3 per month for up to 15 messages, to £10 per month for an unlimited number.

VoxSciences said that, while converting speech accurately to text is very difficult, its Verbs system is capable of learning, and improves as it converts more of a user's voicemails.

A rival speech-to-text service, operated by SpinVox, has been running since 2005.