Dictation is a free online speech recognition software that will help you write emails, documents and essays using your voice narration and without typing.
You can tell Alexa to turn on your lights or ask Siri to look up what year Die Hard was released (1988), but what else can you do with your voice and a little technology? With the best dictation software, you can compose memos, emails, speeches, and other writing using only your voice. Some dictation apps also give you the power to control your computer or mobile device with spoken words, too, letting you open apps and navigate the web when you aren't able to or don't want to with your fingers. While there are plenty of excellent options, we found eight dictation apps that we consider best in class.
Here's the short list of the best dictation apps, with more information following, such as how we chose them, tips for using dictation software, and detailed descriptions of each app. (iOS, macOS). (Web). (Android, iOS, macOS, Windows).
(Android, iOS). (Web). (Android). (iOS). (Windows) Why Use Dictation Software? Dictation apps have a variety of use cases. They're well known among the accessibility community, as not everyone has full and dexterous use of their fingers and hands for typing, moving a mouse, or tapping a touchscreen.
They're also quite popular with productivity enthusiasts because once you get comfortable dictating, it's typically faster than typing. Dictating also enables multitasking. You can write while walking, cooking, or even breastfeeding.
Some people also find that writing by dictating silences their internal editor. You might be more inclined to get all your thoughts out first and review them later, rather than revising ideas as you form them. Here are more details about the best dictation apps and voice recognition tools, with a few words about what makes them different to help you choose. What Makes a Great Piece of Dictation Software? In the last few years, dictation software has become more readily available, easier to use, and much less expensive. Also sometimes called voice-to-text apps or voice recognition apps, these tools turn your spoken words into writing on the screen quickly and accurately.
In looking for the best dictation apps, we tested both free and paid options for desktop and mobile devices, paying attention to accuracy, ease of use, and languages supported. Some are standalone software programs while others are features that come inside other apps or operating systems. Take Google Docs Voice Typing, for example. It's a feature inside Google Docs, rather than a standalone app. You can use it to write in Google Docs as well as edit and format your text. Missing from this article are Amazon Alexa, Siri by Apple, and Microsoft Cortana.
They're not true dictation services. They're better classified as AI assistants. You use them to perform simple tasks rather than dictate at length. They can make a shopping list, but they can't help you write a speech. So, you won't find them on this list.
Tips for Using Voice Recognition Software Dictation apps are impressive, but they aren't perfect. You do need to change how you speak a little for them to work well. Keep these pointers in mind when dictating text. Speak like a newscaster. With a dictation app, you need to enunciate clearly, but you shouldn't talk like a robot.
Speaking like a newscaster is about where you need to be. When you dictate, you have to say each period, comma, question mark, and so forth. Learn a few commands. Take the time to learn a few simple commands, such as 'new line' to enter a line break. There are different commands for composing, editing, and operating your device. Commands may differ from app to app, so learn the ones that apply to the tool you choose.
Know your limits. Especially on mobile devices, some tools have a time limit for how long they can listen, usually around 30 to 45 seconds. Glance at the screen from time to time to make sure you haven't blown past the mark. It takes time to adjust to voice recognition software, but it gets easier the more you practice. Some of the more sophisticated apps invite you to train by reading passages or doing other short drills. Don't shy away from tutorials, help menus, and on-screen cheat sheets. Advice on Microphones To use dictation software, you need a microphone.
Depending on what you want to accomplish, the built-in microphone on your device could suffice. If you plan to dictate more than a few sentences, switch to an external microphone for better accuracy.
Earbuds that have a mic on the cord will do. For more advanced uses, you'll get the best results by investing in a higher quality mic.
The options for microphones used for dictation fall into three broad categories: wired headsets, wireless headsets, and desktop microphones. Among wired headsets, look for a device that puts the microphone close to your mouth, which minimizes the amount of ambient noise it picks up. The Wirecutter recommends the (around $75), with a USB connector. If you prefer a wireless Bluetooth option, you'll likely end up spending a little more.
The (around $100) gets the thumbs up from Wirecutter as well. For desktop microphones, like the kind used in home podcasting, the ($100 to $130) is a long-time favorite. The Best Dictation Software (iOS, macOS) Best free dictation tool for Apple devices. Look no further than your Mac, iPhone, or iPad for one of the best dictations tools. Apple's built-in Dictation feature, powered by Siri (we'd be unsurprised if the two merged one day), ships as part of Apple's desktop and mobile operating systems.
On iOS devices, you use it by pressing the microphone icon on the stock keyboard. On desktop, you turn it on by going to System Preferences Keyboard Dictation and then use a keyboard shortcut to activate it in your app. By default, Apple Dictation requires the internet to work and has a time limit of about 30 seconds for each smattering of speech. To remove those limits, enable Enhanced Dictation, which requires OS X v10.9 or later or iPhone 6s or newer. Enhanced Dictation adds a local file to your device so that you can dictate offline. You can format and edit your text using simple commands, such as 'new paragraph' or 'select previous word.' Tip: You can view available commands in a small window, like a little cheat sheet, while learning the ropes.
Apple also offers for creating custom ones. Price: Included with macOS and iOS devices Accuracy: On a 200-word test using standard Dictation, three words were inaccurate. On a 250-word test with Enhanced Dictation, two were inaccurate.
Recommendation: I recommend Apple Dictation only when using Enhanced Dictation. The standard version is annoying and inconvenient for anything longer than 40 seconds. For short messages on mobile devices, it works fine. Enhanced Dictation is the way to go for continuous dictating, however. Languages: Enhanced Dictation supports 20 languages. Apple's default Dictation supports 31 languages: Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
(Web) Best dictation software for one-time use. Dictation.io is a free website that lets you turn your speech to text without downloading or installing anything.
You need an internet connection to use it because your speech gets processed through Google's servers in real time. In testing, it was reasonably accurate, with a need for cleanup in punctuation and capitalization in particular. There's no time limit, though you may need to reload the page if a pesky ad appears over the controls for switching the microphone between listening and stop mode. Dictation.io has a list of preferred words for inserting punctuation and special characters, though it didn't always function flawlessly.
For example, to insert a period, you can say, 'full stop,' which the app confused with 'stop listening,' the command to turn off the mic. Everything runs in the browser with Dictation.io, so you'll have to move your text to do anything with it. When you finish dictation, you can copy and paste your work, export to a.txt file, tweet it, email it, or print it from the app. While the developer notes that your voice isn't being recorded or stored anywhere, it's worth mentioning that the site has no terms of service or privacy statement. It's a good tool when you need to dictate once here or there, or if you're looking for a hard-to-find language, as this app supports 67, including many Asian languages.
Price: Free Accuracy: In a 250-word passage, Dictation.io had 30 inaccuracies, a mix of incorrect words, missed punctuation, and improper capitalization. Recommendation: Dictation.io is best for one-off dictation projects because it's free and you don't have to download anything or for anyone in need of language support that they can't find elsewhere. If you never want to touch your keyboard or mouse again, is the voice dictation software for you. With a variety of software packages and mobile apps for different use cases (Dragon Legal, Dragon Medical, Dragon Professional), Dragon can handle specialized industry vocabulary, and it comes with excellent features, such as the ability to transcribe text from an audio file you upload. Dragon is a leader in speech recognition, and if you're committed to dictation and hands-free computer use, it's worth the investment. Dragon's desktop software lets you compose text using your voice in just about any app, G Suite included.
It also lets you navigate the web and control your computer. Be sure to check the system requirements for the edition you want before buying. You can also count on Dragon to be highly accurate and fast. The apps contain training modules that coach you on how to use it for dictating, editing, and whatever else you want to do with your voice. All those features don't come cheap, however, with the baseline Dragon Home edition running $150. There's a mobile app for an additional $14.99/month that syncs with a desktop version for added productivity.
Price: $14.99/month for Dragon Anywhere (iOS and Android); from $150 to $500 for desktop packages Accuracy: Testing on Dragon Professional Individual, all words were correct in a 200-word passage, with one capitalized letter that should have been lowercase. Testing on the mobile app, only one was incorrect out of 250. Recommendation: Dragon is a hefty investment.
If you're committed to working hands-free, however, it's worth it because it's the most accurate dictation tool we've found. Languages: Dragon desktop products are available in several languages, which vary by version, and include Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. (Android, iOS) Best free mobile dictation tool without time limits. Gboard, available for both Android and iOS, is a powerful keyboard app that includes a dictation tool.
Press and hold the spacebar, and you can dictate at length. Gboard transcribes everything you say in real time and without a time limit, although you need an internet connection to use it. Be warned that Gboard is fast.
It will cut you off if you take too long of a breath or even pause for a moment. Its speed is both its strength and its weakness, as it scored the lowest in accuracy of all our apps likely because it forces the speaker to rush through the text. Price: Free Accuracy: In transcribing a 200-word passage, Gboard flubbed about 20 percent of it. Recommendation: Gboard works fast, but it pushes you to speak fast, too, which may not be your cup of tea.
In getting the hang of it, I found myself rushing and not breathing at a natural rhythm. Use Gboard when you need speed, and when you're dictating a few short ideas at a time. Languages: Not counting different dialects separately, Gboard supports 47 languages: Afrikaans, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Norwegian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Welsh, and Zulu. (Web) Best free dictation app for typing in Google Docs.
Google Docs contains a built-in tool for dictation and voice-driven editing. Called Voice Typing, this tool is only available in Docs when running Google Chrome. Turn it on from the Tools menu, and a microphone appears on your document. Click the mic to start and stop dictation mode. Similar to Dragon, Google Docs Voice Typing gives you plenty of voice commands for formatting, editing, and navigating the page as you write.
For example, you can say 'create bulleted list,' 'select word,' or 'go to end of paragraph.' In our testing, Voice Typing held up well with a natural speaking pace. It's a solid option if you work primarily in Google Docs and are looking for free dictation software. Price: Free Accuracy: Out of 200 words dictated, only one was incorrect.
Recommendation: Voice Typing is an incredibly helpful tool if you use Google Docs avidly, but it doesn't work anywhere else. That said, it's one of the only free voice dictation apps that gives you a wide range of commands for editing and formatting. Is one of the most popular speech recognition apps for Android in the Google Play store, with more than 26,000 downloads. It combines the classic notepad functionality with voice dictation, using your phone's built-in Google Voice Search to turn voice to text while recording the audio at the same time. The app saves each recording as a searchable note that you can categorize and color code. You can share these notes via email, text, and to any other supported app you have installed, as well as play the recorded audio while reading the transcribed text to check it. ListNote also offers a handful of unique features, like the 'Time to Breathe' option that lets you choose how long to wait before stopping speech input.
It offers password protection as well, plus backup and encryption options. Price: Free Accuracy: In using ListNote to transcribe a 200-word passage, the app had six small errors that were easy to correct, but missed a few words in a row in three places. Recommendation: On Android, ListNote is a speedy text-to-speech app that doesn't have a time limit. It's a good option if you need a free app that you can use quickly and easily, and if you don't mind making a few corrections when finished.
Languages: Supports all languages offered in Google's dictation services (see ). If you're looking for a similar option on Windows and iOS, you can use the mobile app to record your voice, and then switch to the Window app to run an to find words in it. The app doesn't transcribe the full text, however. Speech Recogniser (iOS) Best dictation app for translating text into another language. Is a dictation powerhouse.
You can use it to not only dictate but also translate text into more than 26 languages. The app also lets you post directly to Facebook or Twitter, copy your transcribed text to other apps, and send text via email. Once you install and open Speech Recogniser, you choose a source language on the home screen and tap the start button to activate the dictation. When you're done, a new screen appears with your text. You can then translate, share, or even playback your recording.
It's a quick way to jot down transcribed notes and even translate them into another language when you need. Price: Free Accuracy: Out of 200 words, Speech Recogniser had four inaccuracies. Languages: Not counting dialects separately, Speech Recogniser supports 25 languages: Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, Cantonese, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish Windows 10 Speech Recognition (Windows) Best free dictation app for Windows. If you use a Windows 10 device, you're probably already familiar with Cortana, the AI voice recognition assistant from Microsoft.
Cortana works in tandem with another tool called Windows 10 Speech Recognition, which is used for dictation and operating your device. Using either a hotkey (Windows logo button + h) or a voice command, you can start dictating continuously in supported apps. In testing, dictation worked without a hitch in Notepad and Word, two apps made by Microsoft, but not at all in Evernote or Google Docs. Make sure the apps you want to use are supported before investing too much time in this tool. Speech Recognition uses two different on-screen interfaces, depending on how what you're doing.
There's one interface for dictation (shown above) and a separate one for voice commands, like opening programs and scrolling pages. Speech Recognition improves the more you use it.
You can optionally allow Windows to scan your typed documents to get a better sense of your linguistic choices. As mentioned, is the other piece of the Windows speech recognition puzzle. Saying, 'Hey, Cortana,' wakes up this AI assistant, and you can ask it to search online, open apps, save short notes, and look up directions.
Price: Included with Windows 10; Speech Recognition (without Cortana) included in older versions of Windows Accuracy: In transcribing 250 words, Windows Speech Recogniser had 12 errors. More than half were related to capitalization, and two were incorrect words. Recommendation: Windows Speech Recognition and Cortana together offer a compelling dictation package for people who run Windows and use Microsoft apps.
If you compose in many apps not made by Microsoft, you may want to look for another option, however. Languages: Not counting different dialects separately, Windows Speech Recognition supports eight languages: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese (Brazilian only), and Spanish. Is Voice Dictation for You?
Once you become experienced with it, a dictation tool can speed up your writing, potentially making you more productive. It lets you multitask, and some people find it helps them generate ideas rather than get stuck on revising and editing.
Dictation software can be a necessary tool for people with accessibility issues or who are trying to prevent repetitive stress syndrome from typing, too. Dictation is not always right for every task, however. It's ideal for writing speeches and spoken remarks. It turns list-making into an afterthought.
But depending on what kind of writer you are and what you're producing, typing with your fingers may be your preferred route. If you find yourself diving headfirst into dictation and using some features to edit or control your computer using your voice, you may want to invest in top-of-the-line software, such as Dragon by Nuance. Or, you may want to spend a half hour every day practicing and learning to use the tools that come with your operating system. If you're still dabbling, try a free dictation tool that's easily accessible, such as the one that came pre-installed on your smartphone. As you become more comfortable with voice recognition technology, you can use it for anything you like on whatever device you have at hand. You just might get hooked.
Originally published April 14, 2016 by Emily Esposito; updated in 2017 and 2018. Microphone photo by via.
11 Best dictation software to optimize voice-to-text tasks Dictation software or voice-to-text software has come a long way and advanced in leaps and bounds. It is speech recognition software that allows you to speak, rather than type a wide variety of documents such as articles, emails, commands or notes. The spoken word is then turned into text. It can make an important contribution towards increased productivity simply because people speak much faster than they can type. Students, editors, professional writers, business executives and, in fact, anyone using a computer regularly can use such voice recognition software to save time.
In this article we review 11 of the best dictation software 2019 you can use to create content, articles, emails and much more through speaking rather than typing. Best Dictation Software 2019 – Top 4 Dragon Home Braina Tazti iFlyDictation $150 $49 $80 Free ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ Last review update: 03/2019 1. Nuance Dragon Home v15 Formerly known as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Dragon Home is an award winning speech recognition solution, consistently labeled the best dictation software in the voice-to-text field of the industry. Nuance Deep Learning Technology – By employing the latest Deep Learning technology, Dragon Home effortlessly adapts to changes in your voice and in the background environment, even if those changes occur while you are actually dictating.
So, if you have a bad cold, for example, you can still dictate efficiently. High Accuracy – Much less time is wasted on editing thanks to an industry leading 99% accuracy rate. The intuitive user friendly interface makes editing a breeze, saving you even more time. Formatting your text professionally is just as easy and quick. Playback feature – You can select blocks of text and listen to it while you proofread or edit a document. Listening to your own text is often an excellent way in which to pick up inconsistencies, errors and poorly flowing text. Fine tuning your text and correcting errors is thus achieved with the absolute minimum of fuss.
Versatile case uses – Wherever text input is required, Dragon Home will generate that text as you speak. Apart from lengthy documents, use Dragon Home to surf the web, to interact on social media, to compose emails, to manage your calendar and to full in electronic forms.
It works well with touch screens too. Nuance, the makers of Dragon Home, claims that you will not need any training before you can use their dictation software productively. It is a simple matter of “launch and dictate”!
Extensive Help files are nevertheless available online. Verdict – Dragon Home is certainly pricey, but definitely worth it for serious computer users. It is easy to use and you will be up and running in no time at all. If you spend a lot of time generating documents you will quickly wonder how you ever managed without Dragon Home. Systems: Windows Price: $150 Rating: ★★★★★ 2. Nuance Dragon Professional Individual Also based on the formerly known Dragon Naturally Speaking, Dragon Professional Individual offers all the features and benefits of Dragon Home.
However, it goes quite a few important steps further along the road of efficient dictation software. Transcription feature – With this version you can use any digital device to dictate and record your documents. These audio files can then be transcribed automatically into text whenever it is convenient for you.
Synchronize devices – You can easily start on a document by using one device and then complete the document at another time using a completely different device. This allows a high level of efficiency. You need to register for Dragon Anywhere, however. Powerful customizations – You can create customized commands to perform certain tasks such as filling in your personal details. You can also format your documents with spoken commands and you can import custom word lists and acronyms.
You can even create and fill in forms. This dictation is ideal for environments with multiple users that need the flexibility of being able to work anywhere and at any time, using different devices. Systems: Windows and Windows Server Price: from $300 Rating: ★★★★★ 3. Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite The Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite is a part of their overall digital work-flow management system. It is highly rated by respected reviewers and it enjoys a solid share of the growing voice-to-text software market.
Here is what you need to know: Client and server side options – It is your choice: using the client side server means that your voice is converted into text as you speak. The server side server, on the other hand, records your dictation, converts it into a sound file and sends it to a server. The server will compare the voice file with a profile and converts the sound to text. User cases – The voice-to-text software can be used in any application that requires the typing of text.
Of particular interest is the fact that you can place the text cursor anywhere inside an existing document and then dictate additional text. In addition, it also supports bar-code and QR scanning.
You can even attach photos and maps to your dictated document. Extensive reporting – The reporting features allow you to measure your productivity and analyze the way in which you use the dictation software. The versatility of Winscribe is appealing to those who want to choose whether they want their documents to be created as they dictate them or to have them transcribed at a later stage. Systems: Android, Blackberry, Windows, iOS Price: n.a. Rating: ★★★★★ Website: 4.
Braina Dictation Software The makers of Braina (Brain Artificial) see their voice-to-text software as an smart personal assistant. ‘Operations and Technology’ has described it as the dictation software with the best digital assistant capabilities.
Multiple languages – Braina supports more than 100 different languages. It can even convert text from one language to another. User cases – The speech-to-text software can be used in any application that supports the input of text. In addition, it can be used to issue voice commands in multiple languages.
It can be used for text-to-voice playback, to perform complex mathematical calculations and to issue commands customized by yourself. Artificial brain – Braina constantly learn and adapt to your accent and environmental noises. When you edit text, it learns from the changes that you made. Braina appeals to many users because it is so very good at learning from the user. This goes a long way in improving the accuracy of the end result. Systems: Windows, Android, iOS. Price: free Lite version.
From $49 for Premium. Rating: ★★★★★ Website: brainasoft.com 5. Tazti Voice Recognition Branding itself as a fun application, Tazti would not be suitable for use by authors of lengthy documents.
Instead, it focuses on voice commands to automate tasks and to control your applications. Create custom commands – You can create up to 300 different custom commands that can be used to control various applications. User cases – Tazti is popular with gamers, because it can be used to play many different popular games.
Its other voice command capabilities are limited however, and is mostly used to open and close specific applications and files. User friendly – Getting going with Tazti takes no time at all. The user interface is intuitive and it is even possible to mute the dictation software when you do not want it to hear you, such as when answering a telephone call. Tazti is popular among users that use their computers for fun and games. It would not really appeal to authors of more complicated documents or those that require advanced formatting features. Systems: Windows Price: $80 Rating: ★★★★★ Website: tazti.com 6. IFlyTek – iFlyDictation iFlyTek is a China based company and has been active in the field of intelligent speech and language technologies for about two decades.
Their AI based voice recognition client iFlyDictation is amongst the best dictation software apps to date achieving one of the highest accuracy rates. Good accuracy – With a recognition rate of up to 95%, the client has been popular amongst businesses and entrepreneurs who wish to create, manage or send messages, eMail or short blog posts via voice input. Languages – The tool is available on iOS and Android and supports English, Mandarin and Cantonese but also handles handwriting and stroke inputs.
The iFlyDictation dictation software app could be interesting to those who wish to use a free client with high accuracy and also have their work priorities and activities set in the languages mentioned above. Mobile: Android, iOS. Price: free Rating: ★★★★★ Website: iflytek.com 7. Express Dictate Operations and Technology has awarded Express Dictate the title as “easiest to use dictation software”. It offers a wide array of advanced features. It is important to note, however, that this is dictation software that does not offer speech-to-text capabilities.
This means that your recordings still need to be transcribed at a later stage. Multiple file formats – You can record in many different formats, including.wav, mp3 and dct. Advanced editing features – Express Dictate allows you to perform editing in many different ways. You can insert speech at any stage, overwrite all or parts of an existing recording and add notes at the end of the recording.
Playback ignores long pauses. This makes it easier when transcribing the audio file into text. Manage recorded files – Once a recording is done, you can save it to your hard drive, but you can also send it to recipients via email, ftp or your computer network. If you send more than one file at a time for transcription, you can prioritize the files. For those of you that do not do your own typing, this is the ideal dictation solution.
It is popular with busy people that are continually on the move and that wish to be able to work when they have time available. Systems: Windows, Mac Price: from $99 Single user. Rating: ★★★★★ Website: nch.com.au 8. Google Docs Voice Typing Several rating agencies have described Google Docs Voice Typing as the very best for on-line dictation.
Even better: it is free. All you need is a Google account (free to create) and Chrome. Easy to use – You can start using their browser based dictation software effectively within a few minutes. In addition, Google offers extensive support and help files that are easy to understand. User cases – Google Docs Voice Typing may not be the best solution for managing various desktop applications, interacting on social media or even web browsing. Instead, it is a professional solution for those of you that frequently create a variety of text documents. It only supports English, however.
Formatting features – A wide variety of voice commands allow you to format your documents. You can format as you dictate or when you are done.
If you are on a strict budget or if you do not want to issue voice commands to control your applications, then Google Docs Voice Typing will be ideal for you. Systems: Online, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Windows, Mac Price: free Rating: ★★★★★ Info: 9. Windows Speech Recognition If you do not find Google Docs Voice Typing suitable for your needs, you may just like Windows Speech Recognition. It does not operate in the cloud. Instead, it is a locally processed platform and you do not need to be online in order to work. User cases – The voice-to-text software can be used to control the desktop interface, to dictate text when completing electronic forms, to add text to email messages and to navigate websites.
It is also useful to execute keyboard short-cuts, to control the mouse cursor and to create macros. Intelligent adaptation – The more you use Windows Speech Recognition, the more effective it becomes. It learns and adapts from your input, your grammar, your voice samples and special optional training sessions. Custom language models – A unique feature of this dictation software is its ability to support custom dialects, terminology and phonetics used by users in specialized fields such as medicine and engineering. Windows Speech Recognition works well and it is a very good option if you do not wish to pay for voice-to-text software that you will only use occasionally. Systems: Windows Price: free Rating: ★★★★★ Info: 10. Apple Dictation Every Mac comes with a built-in dictation software.
It is easy to use and you can be up and running within a few minutes. User cases – Apple Dictation can be used wherever text input is required. You can use it to create emails, to type documents, to search the web and to fill in electronic forms. It is not suitable for controlling various desktop applications, such as opening files or playing music, for example. Multiple languages – Many popular languages are supported and in most cases, even specific dialects of that language can be specified.
Enhanced mode – When you turn on the enhanced mode of the dictation software, you can use voice commands to insert special characters and to format your text as you dictate it. Systems: Mac, iOS Price: free, built-in Rating: ★★★★★ Info: or 11. Dictation.io Dictation.io uses Google Voice Recognition to convert you voice into text, but it only works in the Google Chrome environment. Your text is stored locally, not in the cloud. It works in Google Chrome in an Android environment too, but a desktop browser is recommended. Features – Just because Dictation only works in Google Chrome does not mean that its uses are severely hampered.
Create documents and emails, browse the internet, fill in forms and generate text wherever it is required. There is one important restriction, however. Unfortunately, you cannot have multiple tabs open in your browser and use the dictation software app at the same time. Multiple languages – An impressive 100+ languages are fully supported.
A standard set of voice commands allows you to format and edit your text as you go. The voice commands cannot be customized, but the existing set is extensive and easy to use. Dictation.io does not work well in noisy environments and it does not adapt to changes in your own voice.
However, it is ready to be used within a few minutes and you can use voice commands to format your text as you go along. Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux Price: free Rating: ★★★★★ Website: Dictation.io Criteria to Choose the Best Dictation Software. The best dictation software achieve accuracy rates of more than 95%. Be clear about your individual needs before looking at the various features. Do you like the interface? The usability and navigation? Ease of use is important.
Availability of specific voice commands will ease the process of editing. Some products do not work well in noisy environments. Crucial to you?. Some software are limited to certain devices and systems. Check compatibility. An expensive product will be overkill if you are an infrequent user.
Consider trying out a free product before you invest in a professional product. Some products offer a free trial period. This may help you make a final decision. The best dictation software should offer always good technical support. Benefits and Cons of Voice-to-Text Software 1. Save time creating written content. Humans can talk.
Reduce risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury). Takes notes and compose articles while your hands can focus on other tasks. It is an alternative to input method to typing and many people like it. Have ideas conveniently converted into text the moment you articulate them. Good to know – Of course, there are some obstacles to overcome too. Apart from tricky user interfaces, accuracy issues, noisy backgrounds or listening fellow human beings you may need to learn certain commands to further format the text converted. This may take time as those can be different to each dictation software.
Need to edit – Furthermore, having dictated all your thoughts does not mean you have a document ready to be published. You will still need to edit the text, shorten it or improve grammar and vocabulary. This may neutralize some of the time benefits, particularly if you struggle with the software’s voice commands. Best Dictation Software 2019 – Review Verdict Busy people, slow typists, editors and most computer users can all benefit from the best dictation software available. It is most certainly worth it to try a few options to see if it will not make a positive difference to your productivity. This best voice-to-text software has also found a growing market with people that have physical disabilities, arthritis and other conditions that makes it difficult for them to use the keyboard. Recommendation – For beginners, we recommend to try either Apple or Google dictation software as those ones come already built-in in your OS, iOS, Windows or Android device.
If your work as a writer, publisher or depend on high accuracy levels you may consider the best dictation software such as Dragon or Braina. What is voice-to-text software? Dictation software is able to recognize speech and voice with the focus to convert the spoken word into written text. It offers an alternative input method to typing to produce written content in form of notes, articles, documents etc. There are different types of voice recognition software available that respond to verbal commands.
Personal assistants for example differ from dictation software int he way that they perform a task based on the given verbal command. What is the best dictation software 2019? Dragon Home 2.
Dragon Professional Individual 3. Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite 4. IFlyDication 7.
Express Dictate 8. Google Docs Voice Typing 9. Windows Speech Recognition 10. Apple Dictation 11. Dictation.io How to best use dictation software?
You can improve the performance of your voice recognition software by following a few common tips and best practices. The most important one is to have your microphone working properly and also close to your mouth with as little background noise as possible. Speak as clearly as you can. Adjust your voice and volume accordingly. Learn basic voice commands such as ‘Period’ or ‘Exclamation Mark’ to handle punctuation while you speak and dictate text. Furthermore, try to speak in the same way as you would write as written language differs from the spoken word.
This will reduce the amount of formatting afterwards. What is the best dictation software 2019 in your opinion? External resources.