Women in Technology

Article:		Are You Talking to Me? Speech on Mac OS X
Subject:		Please help
Date:		2004-05-19 11:26:50
From:		lsonna
The article only talks about recognition of spoken COMMANDS. That is the least of my worries. Can I dictate my articles and books into a word processor? Can I correct recogntiton errors? Are the corrections stored in user files so that accuracy improves over time? Or do I need to buy Dragon Speaks or Via Voice? The speed even with my PC Celeron (P) 2.40 Ghz, 224 meg of RAM is much too slow both with Win XP Pro built in speech recognition and Dragon Speaks --about 15 words per minute max if there are no errors. I'm trying to decide whether to buy a Mac. Can I hope for better speed? Should I buy separate software? I am a writer, now handicapped from RSI and desperate.

Showing messages 1 through 2 of 2.

• Please help
  2004-07-30 13:35:44  JayBee [View]
  
  
  Just in case you decide for a Mac, I´d refrain from using the IBM solution. With the programme iListen at www.macspeech.com you can dictate anywhere directly into the applications, the update cycles of the software are more "dedicated", recognition even works fluend on my old 450 MHz PPC. Cost: 99.- bucks for downloading the programme or 149.- boxed with a microphone included. I do use the cheap Jabra headset, which was in my Via Voice bundle I used before - works fine! ;-P
  
  You can also speak commands to boss your programmes around, but you have to buy a "ScriptPack" for every app you want to control :-( Most of these cost between 10.- to 20.- $, some cost more. As you do writing business, you would want to get packs for Microsoft Word or Mariner Write and maybe Apples Mail programme.
  For opening files and jumping around in Finder folders you don´t need to buy a script pack.
  
  Hope this helps...
  -JayBee-

• Please help
  2004-05-20 02:08:45  FJ de Kermadec | [View]
  
  
  Hi !
  
  This article focuses on the Speech technologies built into Mac OS X. Currently, these technologies are centered around the recognition of commands and the interaction between the computer and the user. By creating a real vocal interaction, they can be a lifesaver for visually impaired users.
  
  In order to dictate text to a text editor you would currently need to use an application like Via Voice indeed. Although I haven't used it for a while, the last time I saw it, it seemed to be quite responsive and allowed the demonstrator I observed to talk at (almost) normal speed.
  
  Considering Apple's commitment to help users with disabilities, I am sure that the Mac would be an ideal computing platform for you. Would you live near an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Reseller you can call and ask if they can perform a demo for you, so that you can see for yourself.
  
  Here is a link to their "Accessibility (Vision)" website :
  
  http://www.apple.com/accessibility/vision/
  
  New cool accessibility features have already been announced for the next release of Mac OS X, "Tiger".
  
  Let me know if this helps !
  
  F.J.