Dragon Dictate: Voice Recognition Software for the Mac
A Review
How does Dragon Dictate Differ from Other Dictation Software?
For one thing, it was made for the Mac. Secondly, it will take the words that you speak and type them into the application of your choice. I succeeded in dictating to Pages, Chronories (an enhanced journaling program), and email. You can tell your computer to do a variety of commands through Dragon Dictate. For instance, I gave it commands to open and close Microsoft Word and it worked.
Using Dragon Dictate for the First Time
I didn't have any problems installing Dragon Dictate onto my iMac or my MacBook. Your first task after installing Dragon Dictate is training it to recognize your voice and the words you speak. The program will take you through a series of tests where you read short paragraphs. Every time it recognizes the words that you read, these words turn green and you move on to the next paragraph until it feels comfortable that it knows you. After that, you are ready to dictate your first article.
Just How Accurate is Dragon Dictate?
As of right now, I would give Dragon Dictate a 95% accuracy rate. You will have to speak slowly and clearly, enunciating every word until Dragon Dictate recognizes your speech patterns. Then the accuracy rate will improve to as high as 99%.
Is the Price Worth It?
I can see myself using this software for as long as I am a writer. The only disappointment I have encountered so far was with the USB microphone that came with MacSpeech. I am glad that I listened to other reviewers who warned about the poor quality.
I don't know how about the quality of the USB microphone is for Dragon because I upgraded from MacSpeech Dictate. However, I will pass on the warning to get a better quality (such as a Logitech) microphone just in case.
You can still buy the MacSpeech Dictate at a lower price and upgrade, when Dragon Dictate launches on October 11, 2010.
Published by Deborah Woehr
I am a freelance researcher and writer with 12 years experience under my belt, an avid reader, and the author of two books. I enjoy writing about technology, restaurants in my area, my favorite books and mov... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentI'm really enjoying it so far, even though it can get frustrating sometimes. It's very strange dictating novels because I'm so used to typing them. But I was able to pound out a chapter in under 30 minutes. Dictating notes and research also takes less time.
Interesting! I'd heard of Dragon Naturally Speaking, but didn't know there was different software for Mac. Writing through dictation sounds so strange to me, but I think it'd be a good way for me to take notes.