Here’s something you don’t see everyday. A GPS device without a screen from French company Kapsys. It seems at first like a horrible idea, but speech can be just as powerful. It’s a one-of-a-kind mini portable GPS device with a voice recognition interface.

It’s designed mainly for pedestrians who need directions, and also includes a text-to-speech feature. It might also help you keep your eyes on the road. TeleAtlas will offer the map information, while Kapsys provides still more city-related information on their website. Features a SiRF Star III GPS receiver, Bluetooth, MP3 player, FM Radio and hands-free capability. As far as storage it has 4GB of internal memory. Expect it around mid-September for 150 Euros.

Those wanting voice recognition for their iPhone may be in luck soon. AT&T has been working on a web-based platform called Speech Mashups. It works like this. The platform sends your speech to a remote server, translating commands to control your handset. Since it’s web-based, other devices aside from the iPhone will be able to use the technology as well.

It will be compatible with most browser-equipped AT&T handsets, wireless devices and even TV set-top boxes. You just need an Internet connection. One downside with the iPhone is that Speech Mashup can’t perform voice-dialing because it is compatible with web-coded apps only. Still, it’s a fascinating development.