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