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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