Voice recognition software

[VickyBM]

Hi all,

I hope everyone is as well as can be tonight and enjoying this wonderful sunshine.

I am currently looking into voice recognition software as I work and use the computer a lot which is getting increasingly difficult.

I’d like to use the software for both word processing but also spreadsheets and other packages if that’s possible.

If anyone has any experience of using any types of this software or has any feedback I’d love to receive it.

Many thanks in advance.

[Scottishlad]

I have experimented with Dragon Naturally Speaking. I did not go too far with it as my RA became much better controlled. It is a respected program with a good track record. It does work and can allow you to work with spreadsheets. It takes a little while to learn how plan what you are going to say.

If you are employed your employer should be able to assist you as this would be a "reasonable adjustment" under disability legislation.

[HappykindaGal]

I run a company of virtual PAs and use a ton of different software. Dragon Professional Individual is good. A web based one is dictation.io that may be easier to manage.

[Littlemunch]

I have also used Dragon at work

[Creakywrists]

I also use Dragon Naturally Speaking for Open University. It does take a while to get it up and running and to be fluent using it. I haven’t used it for spreadsheets. They are constantly improving it and my copy of it is 2 years old and already slightly out of date. My brother, who is very short of time, uses Dragon very successfully for his work reports. I am dictating this on my iPad which I found very useful in getting used to dictating !

[KiwiGirl78]

I got Dragon Professional Individual 15 when I first was diagnosed last year but resisted using it because I am so used to typing. As my hands have worsened, I have given in. I finally figured out that Bluetooth headsets cause issues. You need a regular call center type headset with a boom, as these are made for voice recognition. I got one from Amazon (Andrea Communications brand). Since getting that a few weeks back, Dragon seems to understand me perfectly. It feels like a miracle! I also switched back to iPhone and have started using my voice more for texting.

[jjnz]

One of the main things to consider will be how easy it is to direct the output, fro my experience a lot of the web based models will show the output in some sort of window rather than where your cursor is. Thats will be a pain to copy and paste. Can't really give you any honest recommendations other than that little tip

[VickyBM]

Hi all, thanks so much for taking the time to come back to me with your recommendations and experience. Really helpful.

[ErvinGrey]

Haven't you thought about developing software yourself? Or you can just find a reliable development company that will help you with that. I don't think it'll take you a lot of time because I managed to find a good company with magento 2 extensions pretty fast here amasty.com/improved-layered... , and as I know, there are many good developers in this sphere.

[SandSad]

The platform I'm currently using combines different applications into one using simple API solutions that will make your life easier. At processmix.com/solutions/bu... they provide the tools you need to build an optimized backend that helps you provide the best possible experience for your users

[Hidden]

Dragon was always installed for my students when I worked as a Study Mentor. It’s supposed to be the best.

Just noticed this post is 5 years old 🤣