Windows Voice Recognition

Windows users also have free voice recognition integrated into their WIndows 7 and Vista computers. Microsoft's speech recognition can have a high degree of reliability and accuracy. It seems to perform best with very clear, articulate, adult, male voices. Our experience tells us that most folks (including experienced users) have a higher degree of accuracy when using Dragon Naturally Speaking software. Generally, people are not too tolerant of ANY decrease in accuracy and therefore choose Dragon over MS speech recognition.

Nuance (creators of Dragon as well as all voice recognition on iDevices, including Siri) just updated their software to 12! Accuracy of Dragon Naturally Speaking software has been excellent since version 8, but accuracy does seem to improve slightly with each version! Version 12 is offering an interactive tutorial with exercises to promote proper use, better Gmail/Hotmail support, as well as smart format rules and improved transcription capabilities from iOS devices.

In order to best use ANY computer based voice recognition program you need the following:

1) A speedy computer with a fast processor and plenty of RAM (click here for recs)

2) A high quality, noise cancelling microphone - we have had best results using the VXI Talk Pro microphones - USB and bluetooth - speechrecsolutions.com is FAST and has knowledgeable support!

3) Knowledgeable support to train in proper techniques, thereby avoiding frustration

4) AND practice, practice, practice in fun, motivating activities, BEFORE tackling homework assignments!

Our next posts will discuss using voice recognition in special situations, such as with struggling readers or as a mouse substitute.

 

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Mac Voice Recognition

Mac OS X Mountain Lion users can use the built-in voice recognition feature that is very similar to the iPad version. To activate Dictation, simply double press the function key when you have wireless access. The program will transcribe up to 30 seconds of dictated text, but does not have command recognition features.

If you are looking for a more robust voice recognition program, try the new Dragon Dictate 3 - ideally in conjunction with a high quality, noise cancelling USB or Bluetooth microphone for optimal results. While I personally have not had the opportunity to test the latest version, I was initially excited to learn that the update (not free) reported improved, more efficient editing, similar to the Windows versions of Dragon. Previously, Mac users could only easily correct dictated phrases or sentences- it was a much more arduous process to correct individual words. Older versions of the program also had difficulty keeping track of text,especially if you mixed voice with keyboard use (even keyboard commands), working best in their basic word processor or surprisingly in MS Word 2011! The new version seems to resolve this problem more automically in native programs such as mail, but does so in others by using an separate dictation box - see below.

New features also include smart formatting and support for transcription from audio recorded on your iPhone or Android device and better Bluetooth support to use these devices as a microphone! As always, the company also boasts improved accuracy!

Click here to see a video of Dragon Dictate 3 for Mac

In the past, if you relied heavily on voice recognition support, we recommended use of Nuance's Windows version of Dragon (Naturally Speaking). Perhaps this is still the case despite the recent upgrade.

If you have the chance to try Mac Dictate 3, let us know what you think!

Our next blog will explore Windows voice recognition options.

 

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A voice controlled, personal assistant on your iPad!

 

iOS 6 is here! What does this mean for voice recognition and dicatation capabilites?

The good news: SIri is now available on the iPad. The not so good news: it is only available on the new iPad (3rd generation), but it's a start. I was hoping, Siri AND dictation within apps would come to the iPad2, but it has not - Apple would like you to upgrade your iPad;) You still need to use the Dragon Dication app on the iPad2, even if you have iOS6. Both Dragon and Siri also require an internet connection.

After you update to iOS 6, simply hold down the home button until you hear a beep to talk to Siri.

Let Siri help you with the following:

1) No keyboard? Don't like on screen keyboards? Send an email or text completely hands free! (after pressing the home button)

• Send an email to Whitney
• Send a message to 'Justin' or even quicker... Tell Justin I am on my way

2) Forgot your glasses? Let Siri read your text messages after you dictate Review or Read It She can also read NEW incoming text messages Read my text messages; unfortunately, she cannot read emails unless you highlight and choose speak (if this feature is turned on in the accessibility settings) 

3) Get personal with Siri. Let her know your relationships in your contact list: My Sister is 'Name' then you can say Send An Email To My Sister

4) Too many apps? Can't find the one you're looking for? Open apps via the voice command - Launch 'app name'

5) Can't remember.. anything!? Let Siri Remind you! Remind me to stop at the store at 5pm tomorrow

6) Curious about something? Search the web for Log Cabin Republicans or Define Oxymoron

7) Can't remember a command? simply ask Siri.. What can I say? and she will give you a list of commands!

8) And of course you can play...ask silly (or factual) questions or use any of the following: Post to facebook, tweet, What's the weather in Bennington, VT this weekend

Do's and Don't's:

• Don't pause while speaking.. she can be a little impulsive
• Don't call her by name - "Siri.... Send an email" While it will work, it is not necessary and she is easily confused;)
• Do check her translation before sending an important note... or don't, just for fun
• Do joke with her.. she is silly.. in a geeky sort of way! After finding a much needed coffee shop, I told her "I love you Siri" and she replied... "all you need is love....................and your iPhone;)"

Have fun with your new friend!

 

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Voice Recognition Month

After a busy summer of work and play, we are ready to blog away! Over the next few weeks, we will explore some of the exciting new changes in voice recognition.

This week the focus is on using your voice to type text on the iPad - which is what I am doing right now!

 

The new iPad has voice recognition built-in, so it is available in most apps that use the standard Apple on-screen keyboard! While you still need wireless access to dictate, the new iPad processor is faster and therefore more accurate. The iPad 1 and 2 requires dictating into the free, Dragon Dictation app and then cutting-and-pasting text into desired apps. Dictating directly into an app is not just a matter of convenience, it allows for a broader range of accessibility options. For example, you can now dictate in any font size which not only improves visual access, but also makes editing easier when using the touch screen. Use of larger font sizes is highly beneficial since there are no voice commands to select or correct text on iDevices. While this can create a physical challenge for some folks, removing commands can simplify the process for others.

I have dictated this entire blog using the built-in microphone on the iPad, with greater than 95% accuracy. If you have an unusual vocal style, are working in a noisier environment or simply like to move while dictating, you can use an external microphone to get similar results. Click/Touch here for great advice when using an external microphone

In the next few weeks we will discuss recent advances in voice recognition for Windows and Mac users.

 

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Readability... clutter free reading!

Readability.com is a great web based application that makes reading articles from the web much easier on the eyes! The application removes all advertisements and allows you to adjust font size and color (including background color) with double line spacing! If you need even larger font sizes, simply press CTRL+
Install a link on your web toolbar (Firefox, Safari, IE) and click to READ NOW or save it for later viewing on the website- currently, Firefox has the most toolbar functionality-
You can also send articles via Email.
And... yes, there's an app too! You can even read articles on your Kindle!
Happy Reading!

Sounding Board AAC app gone free!

Ablenet's Sounding Board app is free FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Hurry to download this great dynamic display AAC app!

Favorite features: EASY to learn, navigate and program; take or import your own pictures directly within the app or use a pic from their library;
integrated auditory switch scanning (auto or step)

Wish List: Ability to disable scanning of menu bar (they promise this is coming soon!); use of screen as a switch, increase the number of cells beyond 9 (and then add row/column scanning;); ability to use in landscape mode; customization of cell and board background colors...

Let us know how you like it!

ENJOY! Karen

NEW Bookshare APPS!

Bookshare is a FREE federally funded program that provides electronic access to books for qualified individual's with print disabilities (vision, reading or physical). To find out if you qualify go to: http://www.bookshare.org/







Bookshare books can be read with text to speech supports in many different ways including:

1) On the computer via FREE download of Read OutLoud: Bookshare Edition


2) On an Apple iDevice -via Read2Go app - $20


3) On an Android device via the NEW.... Go Read app - FREE!


Happy Reading!

My Story - Book Maker for Kids - free!

My Story - Book Maker for Kids - for iPhone and iPad! - Draw a picture, take a picture from the app or your library, record voices, add text, share with friends, what more could you want or need from an app! ok.. maybe text to speech.. but it's FREE! today!

Enjoy! Karen