From: MacSpeech, Inc. Average Rating: Binding: CD-ROM Format: CD-ROM Label: MacSpeech, Inc. Model: MACSPEECH DICTATE Platform: Mac OS X Intel Release Date: February 15, 2008
Features:
Amazing Accuracy
Dictate anywhere you can type
Minimal Training Required
Works With The Apps You Already Have
Comes With Everything You Need, Including Headphones
Product Description: You'll feel like you have your very own typist with MacSpeech Dictate. It's extremely accurate and it adapts to your voice. It only takes five minutes or less of training, so you can get started fast. You can dictate text into any application that supports text entry from the keyboard, even Windows apps running in a virtual environment such as Parallels or Fusion, and also applications like Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress, iChat, Mail, iPhoto, Keynote, etc. You can even use it to surf the web, or use it for basic menu commands like print, cut, copy, paste, etc.
Internet Ready - Surf the web with your voice Built especially for the Mac Uses the renowned Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition engine Requires Mac OS X 10.4.11 or higher, including Mac OS X 10.5, and requires Intel-based Macintosh hardware
Read the thoughtful and varying reviews before buying MacSpeech Dictate
Out of a number of very thoughtful reviewers on this new MacSpeech Dictate, littlepb's provided an excellent insight into how the brain processes the spoken and written words differently. This neurological observation is THE major obstacle for most new users. littlepb's insightful recommendation on using this program interactively, could function for those who prefer to perfect (edit) as they gradually dictate paragraph after paragraph. Yes, good writing is mostly editing. However, this software lacks even a rudimentary learning curve, so initial inconveniences soon evolve into tedious, repetitive annoyances. For my particular 'stream of consciousness" dictating style, this software glitch would constantly interrupt the free flow of creative thought necessary from beginning to at least my third paragraph. Don't hold your breath for the necessary version 2 update, unless Nuance actually purchased the former iListen rather than simply licensing its Dragon Engine to the inept folks still at iListen/MacSpeech. For myself, I will follow NYTimes Pogue's recommendation to go Dragon 10 with VMware on my Mac intel. In truth, as littlepb implies, there may not be a single software answer for the various dictating/editing styles we use. When in doubt, look to a company's level of customer service as to your realistic guide to future, timely product improvements. Scott Winterbottom
very useful I just got MacSpeech Dictate today, and am using it to type this review. I'm really impressed. I've tried to use voice dictation software before, but have never gotten it to work efficiently. Since I have cerebral palsy, typing is very difficult for me. MacSpeech Dictate is the first software I've found that actually helps me to use the computer faster. It doesn't seem to have any trouble with my slight speech impediment, and it's doing well as my voice gets tired. I would recommend this software to anyone with a disability who needs to be able to use the computer at a normal pace.
One note: the user guide that comes with the software is woefully inadequate. It's taken me most of the night to figure out how to do simple editing and formatting tasks. But once you get the hang of it, this is great stuff.
Great product -- faster than Dragon Naturally Speaking! I would highly recommend this product for people who are wanting to talk vs. type for their computer. The product is easy to install and set-up. Since I can "teach it" it is getting better all of the time. I had Dragon Naturally Speaking and have found this product to be quicker, easier to use and more efficient. It works best in the notepad which adds an extra step to transfer it to the other documents I am working on, but since you basically have to edit it anyway it is an acceptable extra step.
Better than I expected Most of the negative reviews of this product have to do with defective CDs that were shipped in the past. The software itself has been cited as superb - and I totally concur.
Hurt my back, so typing was very difficult. To keep up with work and email, I thought I'd try this out. I am EXTREMELY impressed. All I did was read some words on the screen for about 10 minutes and I was up and running. I followed their suggestion to have the software 'learn' from passages I created, and the accuracy kept improving. Took a little time to go through the user guide (which wasn't as huge as many other programs - and had some humorous touches) to learn some shortcuts and tips. My back is better, but I'm still using it. For long documents, it's actually easier than typing.
One last note, people who have used speech recognition software will say it's not as fast as typing. One thing to keep in mind is they're often comparing their typing after 20 years of practice to the software after 20 minutes of practice. Not fair. I was forced to use the software almost exclusively for two weeks - and became equally adept at it. VERY glad I bought it - it's impressive!
Excellent Product I've used Dragon on my PC for years. This product offers an equal for the Mac. It learns fast and has great accuracy. I've been 100% problem free since day one.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
