UNIVERSAL DATA INPUT AND PROCESSING DEVICE, SUCH AS UNIVERSAL POINT-OF-SALE DEVICE FOR INPUTTING AND PROCESSING BAR CODE SYMBOLS, DOCUMENT IMAGES, AND OTHER DATA

A universal data input device includes a processor coupled to memory and a two-dimensional or area imager. One or more additional data input modules input wireless (e.g., RF), audio (e.g., voice), card or other data. Software performed by the processor receives the input data, and in one embodiment, receives voice commands. A task manager instructs an application layer to execute appropriate applications based on the voice command, and routes data to the appropriate applications.