Here's Why Microsoft Just Spent $19.7 Billion to Acquire Nuance Communications

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) confirmed rumors today that it would acquire Nuance Communications (NASDAQ: NUAN) in an all-cash transaction valued at $19.7 billion, including assumption of the company's debt. Nuance is a pioneer in conversational AI, or technology that can understand and respond to voice commands. Nuance made its fortunes by developing software that's capable of understanding, responding to, and transcribing human speech.