Apple has posted job listings for engineers specializing in voice technologies such as speech recognition, iOS software development for speech applications, and speech research.

Apple recently filed for patents related to greater integration of voice commands throughout iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch apps, including a customizable API that developers could use to include voice control in their software.

The recent job postings on Apple's Web site suggest that this patent, along with other voice control technologies (such as the purchase of Siri earlier this year), are being taken seriously. Each of the four open positions relate specifically to sectors of voice technology, namely:

Perhaps Steve Jobs and Apple are envisioning an OS that can be controlled by your voice alone. Certainly, speech recognition and commands have been around for a while in the computer world, but it doesn't seem like Apple is giving up on it just yet.

Does this signal that a new, voice-controlled OS is on the way from Apple Let me know your thoughts in the comments!