| Voice recognition software allows the user to use | | | | than 250,000 terms and 160,000 active words. |
| their voice as an input device so they can dictate | | | | 3. Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional - Allows |
| text directly into the computer as well as give the | | | | you to dictate up to 160 words per minute, launch |
| computer commands such as open, save or close. | | | | applications, complete forms, and do other |
| Current software has come a long way from the | | | | complex tasks. Dragon also has specialty |
| first voice recognition software that was available. | | | | programs such as Medical Suite and Legal Suite. |
| The older software used discrete speech which | | | | 4. Eloquently Started - Designed for physicians for |
| meant distinct pauses had to occur between | | | | producing medical records. It comes complete |
| words. Current software uses continuous speech | | | | with a sophisticated database and is designed for |
| voice recognition and is capable of recognizing | | | | producing detailed medical reports quickly. |
| speech up to 160 wpm. It uses what is called a | | | | 5. Realize Voice - Uses the Whisper speech |
| neutral net to learn to recognize voices. Accuracy | | | | recognition engine that requires no training, |
| has improved a great deal in the past few years. | | | | although you can train it to improve its |
| When shopping for voice recognition software be | | | | vocabulary. It can open and close windows and |
| sure to have the answers to these questions: | | | | carry out basic task functions. |
| 1. What operating system is the software | | | | 6. Interactive Voice Assistant IVA - This assistant |
| compatible with? | | | | will not only let you talk to it, it will talk to you; |
| 2. What amount of memory is required? | | | | and you can tell your assistant what to do in |
| 3. What speed of processor is required? | | | | English. It is capable of dictating email, sending, |
| 4. What type of learning curve does the software | | | | replying, searching the Internet and carrying out |
| have? | | | | other basic computer tasks. |
| 5. Will it work with existing word processing | | | | 7. Micro Intro Voice II - A complete voice input |
| software? | | | | and output system with an accuracy rate of |
| 6. Does it come with a microphone? | | | | more than 98%. This is a powerful piece of |
| 7. How fast is it? | | | | software and it's available for large or small |
| 8. Will you need a USB microphone? | | | | networks. |
| 9. Is it macro capable? | | | | 8. ViaVoice Millennium Pro - It uses continuous |
| There is quite a variety of Voice Recognition | | | | speech and is capable of desktop navigation; |
| Software packages currently on the market. Here | | | | inputting, editing, and formatting text; |
| are just a few to check out. | | | | proofreading; and direct dictation. There are also |
| 1. Conversa Messenger - A desktop messaging | | | | legal and medical dictionaries available. |
| system for small businesses that allows you to | | | | These are eight of the voice recognition software |
| access your voicemail, e-mail, and faxes by voice. | | | | choices, but there are many other excellent |
| It's easy to use and has continuous speech | | | | programs. Do a quick search online and you'll have |
| recognition. | | | | lots to choose from. Do your research and |
| 2. Dragon Naturally Speaking Essentials - For ages | | | | ensure the voice recognition software you choose |
| 9 and up; it provides an introduction to continuous | | | | will meet your needs. |
| speech recognition with a vocabulary of more | | | | |