1. A global speech user interface (GSUI) device, comprising: a processor device configured for performing speech recognition to transcribe spoken commands for use in navigating among one or more applications hosted on a communications system; said processor device configured for displaying a set of visual cues to guide a user in issuing spoken commands, said visual cues comprising an overlay that shows a list of services available to the user; wherein said overlay comprises: a first sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to an interactive program guide system; a second sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to a content on demand system; and a third sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to a browser-based service; wherein each of said sub-menus provides a set of speech-activated virtual buttons; and a speaker personalization and identification mechanism for training said communications system to identify respective users by voice; wherein said speaker personalization and identification mechanism presents different custom interfaces and personalized content for different respective speakers.
1. A global speech user interface (GSUI) device, comprising: a processor device configured for performing speech recognition to transcribe spoken commands for use in navigating among one or more applications hosted on a communications system; said processor device configured for displaying a set of visual cues to guide a user in issuing spoken commands, said visual cues comprising an overlay that shows a list of services available to the user; wherein said overlay comprises: a first sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to an interactive program guide system; a second sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to a content on demand system; and a third sub-menu overlay specifically for access, by spoken command, to a browser-based service; wherein each of said sub-menus provides a set of speech-activated virtual buttons; and a speaker personalization and identification mechanism for training said communications system to identify respective users by voice; wherein said speaker personalization and identification mechanism presents different custom interfaces and personalized content for different respective speakers. 8. The interface device of claim 1 , further comprising: varying display of content comprising any of: displaying advertisements personalized to the specific speaker; displaying programming recommendations personalized to the specific speaker; displaying video-on-demand purchase recommendations personalized to the specific speaker; expediting an on-screen purchase transaction based upon recognition of the specific speaker; displaying an interface and content personalized to the specific speaker; automatically configuring the display or user interface according to preferences of the specific speaker; and implementing a designated scheme for parental control of content by automatically blocking or allowing content according to identity of the specific speaker.