Voice Recognition

Ratings and Reviews of Voice Recognition Software

Voice Recognition

If you're like this writer, voice recognition software just isn't that appealing. Why? Because this writer can type much faster than speak - and more accurately too. When we say "accurately", it is because voice recognition software is still far from perfect. Just turn on the voice recognition capabilities in Windows XP and you'll know what we're talking about. And, although we realize that many of you are not super fast typists and that voice recognition could be a HUGE help to you in making your interaction with your PC or Macintosh much more productive, we also want to make sure you understand the time you'll have to invest and what you should expect in the areas of accuracy and functionality before you purchase any voice recognition software.

Training (not for YOU, for your software) - one of the first things you'll have to do after you install your software is "train" it to recognize your voice, and how you pronounce words. This is time consuming. Frankly, we hate this part! Additionally, if you don't have a quality microphone or there is lots of background noise in your office (kids, pets, machines, etc.), things can get really jumbled. You'll end up spending even more time - and you might not get the software "trained" correctly.
Where it works, where it doesn't - how many words does the software recognize? Will it be able to keep up with your extensive vocabulary - or that needed by your software? Again, time-consuming to figure out, you'll have to just keep plugging away!
On or Off? - one of the other big "hassles" with this software is making sure you know its status - on or off. It can be REALLY frustrating if the voice software is on while you're trying to type, you forget that it is on, and keep wondering why your PC is acting very funny (programs launching, commands executed, words type on the page....).
You, how you sound, how you speak - again this software is not quite perfect. It may struggle with personal speech idiosyncrasies you might have - the pitch of your voice, your accent (Boston, Texas drawl?) and more. Be prepared.

Still think you can work with this software faster than you can type? Let's see what's out there.

Some vendors offer more than one package in this category. We'll review them in table format within that vendor's detailed review.

Voice Recognition Software Review

Voice Recognition Software*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

Company	Best For*	Simple Start-Up	Cost	Time Savings	Ease of Use	Works With	Support	Features	Overall Rating
MacSpeech	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp1/2	iiii	%%%1/2+
Microsoft	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pppp1/2	iiii	%%%%
Nuance (fomerly ScanSoft)	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYYY	ppp1/2	iiii	%%%%
VoiceIt Technologies	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iii1/2	%%%1/2

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

MacSpeech

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

MacSpeech's voice recognition software is easy to install and set up for use. (Remember set aside time to "train" your software!)

Cost - $$$1/2

Dictate pricing is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
Dictate	$187.99	Macintosh OS X 10.4.11 or greater, OS X 10.5.1 or greater	Voice Recognition Software	Command capabilities works with Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, QuartkXPress, Apple applications - iChat, Mail, iPhoto, Keynote Start using within 5 minutes Uses Dragon NatruallySpeaking speech recognition engine Comes with headphone/microphone unit

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If typing is not your "forte", this software can save you a ton of time.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Sometimes it's just easier to say a word instead of typing it!

Works With - YYY

MacSpeech software is designed for the Macintosh environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

The technical support area on the MacSpeech web site includes downloads, tech notes and a FAQ. If you need more help, you can email MacSpeech tech support or call them. If you call, there is a $14.95 fee for 15 minutes and $1.00 for each additional minute. Tech support via phone is available from 11 AM to 6 PM and 7 PM to 8 PM Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

Features - iiii

The software you'll need to control your Macintosh.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

If you want to run your Mac without typing, or you're just not a good "hunt and peck" typist - the way to run your Mac with your voice instead.

Microsoft

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Microsoft's Voice Command software downloads and installs easily on your PC and handheld or smart phone.

Cost - $$$$

Voice Command is priced at $39.99.

Software

Price

O/S Supported

Overview

Features

Compatibility

Voice Command 1.6

$39.99

Windows 2000, XP, Vista

Windows Mobile 5 or 6

Voice Recognition Software

Speaker independent
No voice training required
Conversational style
Say "What can I say" or "Help" at any time
Voice-Controlled Hands-Free Phone - view contacts with single voice command, place phone calls by name or number, callback and redial the last caller, incoming calls announced by name or number, missed calls announced by name or number
Voice-Controlled Calendar Lookup - view calendar with single voice command, have the subject, time and location of upcoming appointments read to you, appointment reminders read aloud
Voice-Controlled Media Player - use voice to select music you want from your collection by album, artist or genre, choose to control music with voice or use large button interface like radio buttons on car stereo, ask "what song is this?" and the name of the song and artist will be read to you
Voice-Controlled Utilities - start any program in the Start Menu or programs folder, check signal strength, battery level, time and day by voice, low battery level alert by voice

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

We added this software to our HP smart phone and realized immediate productivity gain - the software is fast and saves tons of typing and/or stylus time!

Ease of Use - @@@@

The amazing thing about this software is it "wants" you to speak quickly. Like the product specs say - no "training" required.

Works With - YYY

Voice Command is designed for Windows and Windows Mobile.

Support - pppp1/2

We really hate getting through the initial Microsoft support scripts! With that "venting" over with, their FAQ and knowledgebase are both extensive and easy to use and access. If you need more and have to deal with web support, you need a Microsoft Passport and then then take you through a simplistic and irritating set of basic questions. If you problem is not solved, you can call a non-800 number (you pay toll charges where they apply) Monday through Friday 5 AM to 9 PM Pacific, Saturday and Sunday 6 AM to 3 PM Pacific.

Features - iiii

Control almost any aspect of your Windows Mobile smart phone. The first time the software announced a caller by name we almost fell on the floor (we hadn't read the spec that told us that this neat feature even existed - we were just interested in the voice recognition capabilities!)

Overall Rating - %%%%

The best software investment we've made for the HP smart phone. A real time saver - easy to use from the "get go". If you own a Windows Mobile 5 or 6 smart phone - a piece of software we don't think you should be without.

Nuance (fomerly ScanSoft)

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Whether you're using the Dragon NaturallySpeaking or the IBM ViaVoice voice recognition software lines from Nuance you'll find the software easy to install - the biggest issue, as always is getting the software "trained" for use. This can be very time consuming, especially in the "bigger" products like the Legal, Medical and Professional products from Dragon.

Cost - $$$1/2

Nuance product pricing is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
ViaVoice Mac OS X V3	$124.99 $29.99 upgrade	Macintosh OS X version 10.1 or higher	Voice Recognition Software	Aqua user interface Optimized for G4 processor Dictate, edit, format and correct text in ViaVoice SpeakPad Use voice to navigate the Finder, issue commands in ViaVoice and other Macintosh applications Direct dictation into many text-based Macintosh applications 160,000 word vocabulary Create email messages, launch Internet Explorer Support for Legal and Medical terms
Simply Dictation Mac OS X Edition	$59.99	Macintosh OS X 10.1.2 or later	Voice Recognition Software	Dictate, edit and correct test in SpeakPad, voice-enabled word processor What Can I Say? pop-up menu displaying formatting and editing commands DSR technology Create Personal Voice Model for accurate voice dictation 160,000 word vocabulary that can be supplemented by specialized topics such as Computers and Business and Finance Text-to-Speech feature - reads back text you have created G4 processor optimization
*ViaVoice Pro USB Edition*	$189.99, $99.99 upgrade	Windows 98, 2000, XP	Voice Recognition Software	Background noise adaptation for better dictation and voice command accuracy Noise-canceling USB headset microphone included Transcription support for digital handheld recorders Custom "voice shortcut" commands can be used in multiple programs Voice command and control of applications, desktop, ViaVoice and the Internet Document templates for quick creation of business letters, reports, memos and faxes Voice marks for audio confirmations during completion of macro commands 300,000 vocabulary and backup dictionary words Specialized vocabulary topics such as Computer and Business & Finance available Dictate, edit format and correct in popular applications such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, AOL and Netscape Messenger
*ViaVoice Advanced Edition*	$79.99	Windows 98, ME, XP	Voice Recognition Software	Email and web navigation performed via voice Noise-canceling headset microphone included Transcription support for digital handheld recorders Background noise adaptation User control of background noise sensitivity Command and control ViaVoice, desktop and PC applications with voice Customized "voice shortcut" commands can be used in multiple programs Dictate, edit and format in popular PC programs such as Office, Outlook Internet Explorer, AOL and Netscape Messenger Direct dictation in a variety of PC applications 300,00 vocabulary and backup dictionary words Add customized addresses, names, acronyms, terms and colloquialisms to the vocabulary
*ViaVoice Standard Edition*	$49.99	Windows 98, ME, XP	Voice Recognition Software	Dictate text for letters reports memos and faxes in SpeakPad or Word Say voice commands to format, edit and correct dictation Transfer SpeakPad documents into other text-based applications Use for to navigate Internet Explorer Create dictation voice shortcuts to insert blocks of text into dictation documents Customize size, shape and placement of voice command control on desktop Background noise adaptation for greater dictation accuracy 300,000 vocabulary and backup dictionary words Add customized addresses, names, acronyms, terms and colloquialisms to the vocabulary Noise-canceling headset microphone included
*ViaVoice Personal Edition*	$29.99	Windows 98, ME, XP	Voice Recognition Software	Use voice for dictation Use SpeakPad voice-enabled word processor to dictate, edit, format and correct text or Microsoft Word Create personal voice model Add customized names, acronyms, terms and colloquialisms to 300,000 word vocabulary and backup dictionary Create dictation "voice shortcuts" to insert blocks of text Background noise adaptation for greater dictation accuracy Noise canceling headset microphone included
*Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Standard*	$99.99	Windows XP, 2000, Vista	Voice Recognition Software	Microphone included Short set-up and user enrollment Dictate into most Microsoft Windows-based applications No training required Support for non-standard edit control Select-And-Say Indicator Support for Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird Control Menus and Dialog Boxes in most Microsoft Windows XP and 2000-based applications by voice Simultaneous dictation and command modes Format and edit by voice Nothing But Speech Natural Punctuation USB Audio Support Performance Optimizer Natural Punctuation Say Web and Browser Links by Voice MSI Installer	Internet Explorer 5, 6, AOL 6, 7, 8, 9, Word 2000, XP 2003, WordPerfect 11, 12, Outlook Express 5, 6
*Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred*	$199.99 $149.99 upgrade	Windows XP, 2000, Vista	Voice Recognition Software	Microphone included Short set-up and user enrollment Dictate into most Microsoft Windows-based applications No training required Support for non-standard edit control Select-And-Say Indicator Support for Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird Control Menus and Dialog Boxes in most Microsoft Windows XP and 2000-based applications by voice Simultaneous dictation and command modes Format and edit by voice Nothing But Speech Natural Punctuation USB Audio Support Performance Optimizer Natural Punctuation Say Web and Browser Links by Voice RealSpeak 2 Text-to-Speech Dictation Playback Use with Handheld Digital Recorder Dictate into Pocket PC or palmOne Tungsten Smart Formatting Text and graphics dictation shortcuts MSI Installer Import/export user files	Internet Explorer 5, 6, AOL 6, 7, 8, 9, Word 2000, XP 2003, WordPerfect 11, 12, Outlook Express 5, 6, Excel 2000, XP, 2003, support for Bluetooth Microphones, AutoTranscribe Folder
*Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Legal Solutions*	$1,095.99 $199.99 upgrade	Windows XP, 2000, Vista	Voice Recognition Software	All of the capabilities of preferred Specialized Legal vocabularies
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Medical Solution for Transcription	$1,384.95 $199.99 upgrade	Windows XP, 2000, Vista	Voice Recognition Software	Microphone included, on-screen tutorials Dictate into most Microsoft Windows-based applications Select-and-Say indicator Voice notations in Microsoft Word Outlook support Control menus and dialog boxes in most Microsoft windows applications by voice say web and browser links by voice Simultaneous dictation and command modes Format and edit by voice Natural punctuation Mouse control by voice Nothing but Speech Text to speech playback Dictation playback Third-party correction Array microphone support Dictate into handheld digital records Dictate into Pocket PC Dictate into Palm Tungsten Bluetooth microphone support USB audio support Basic text and graphics dictation shortcuts Smart text and graphics dictation shortcuts Smart Commands Smart Formatting Macro recorder Basic scripting commands Advanced Microsoft VBA-compatible scripting Native MSI installer It administrator's guide Network tools for centralized vocabulary management GUI for centralized vocabulary management Import/export user files Import export macros Roaming user http roaming Citrix support Import/export vocabularies Create multiple vocabularies using text documents 14 medical vocabularies - Radiology, Cardiology, Surgery, General Medical, Family Practice, ObGyn, Neurology, Pathology, Orthopedic, Emergency, Mental Health, Oncology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology Section 508 compliant	Microsoft Internet Explorer 5, 6, 7 AOL 7, 8, 9 Outlook Express 5, 6 Outlook 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 Lotus Notes 6, 7 Microsoft Word 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 WordPerfect 11, 12, 13 Excel 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 PowerPoint 2000, XP,2003, 2007 InfoPath 2003 Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or later Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 or later
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Medical Small Practice Edition	$1,104.95 $199.99 upgrade	Windows XP, 2000, Vista	Voice Recognition Software	Microphone included, on-screen tutorials Dictate into most Microsoft Windows-based applications Select-and-Say indicator Voice notations in Microsoft Word Outlook support Control menus and dialog boxes in most Microsoft windows applications by voice say web and browser links by voice Simultaneous dictation and command modes Format and edit by voice Natural punctuation Mouse control by voice Nothing but Speech Text to speech playback Dictation playback Third-party correction Array microphone support Dictate into handheld digital records Dictate into Pocket PC Dictate into Palm Tungsten Bluetooth microphone support USB audio support Basic text and graphics dictation shortcuts Smart text and graphics dictation shortcuts Smart Commands Smart Formatting Macro recorder Basic scripting commands Advanced Microsoft VBA-compatible scripting Import/export user files Import export macros Roaming user Import/export vocabularies Create multiple vocabularies using text documents 12 medical vocabularies - Cardiology, Surgery, General Medical, Family Practice, ObGyn, Neurology, Orthopedic, Emergency, Mental Health, Oncology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology Section 508 compliant	Microsoft Internet Explorer 5, 6, 7 AOL 7, 8, 9 Outlook Express 5, 6 Outlook 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 Lotus Notes 6, 7 Microsoft Word 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 WordPerfect 11, 12, 13 Excel 2000, XP, 2003, 2007 PowerPoint 2000, XP,2003, 2007 InfoPath 2003 Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or later Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 or later
*Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional Solution 9*	$795.99, upgrade $165.99	Windows XP, 2000	Voice Recognition Software	Microphone included Short set-up and user enrollment Dictate into most Microsoft Windows-based applications No training required Support for non-standard edit control Select-And-Say Indicator Support for Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird Control Menus and Dialog Boxes in most Microsoft Windows XP and 2000-based applications by voice Simultaneous dictation and command modes Format and edit by voice Nothing But Speech Natural Punctuation USB Audio Support Performance Optimizer Natural Punctuation Say Web and Browser Links by Voice RealSpeak 2 Text-to-Speech Dictation Playback Use with Handheld Digital Recorder Dictate into Pocket PC or palmOne Tungsten Smart Formatting Text and graphics dictation shortcuts Support for cordless or array microphones Save audio with text dictation Third-party correction Roaming user Smart commands Create multiple custom vocabularies Complex macro support Macro recorder Basic scripting commands Advanced Microsoft VBA-compatible scripting MSI Installer Import/export user files Import/export macros Import/export vocabularies Specialized vocabularies available for purchase Network tools for centralized vocabulary management Section 508 certified	Internet Explorer 5, 6, AOL 6, 7, 8, 9, Word 2000, XP 2003, WordPerfect 11, 12, Outlook Express 5, 6, Excel 2000, XP, 2003, support for Bluetooth Microphones, AutoTranscribe Folder, Citirx Thin Client Dictation, Outlook 2000, XP, 2003, PowerPoint 2000, XP, 2003, Lotus Notes 6, 7, InfoPath, Voice Notations feature for Microsoft Word
Voice Control	$6.00 per month	Sprint Nextel BlackBerry 7100i, BlackBerry 7520, BlackBerry 7130e, BlackBerry 8703e, Treo 600, Treo 700p, Treo 650, PPC 6700, Motorola Q, Treo 700wx, BlackBerry Pearl	Voice Recognition Service	One button operation Place phone calls to people in address book via voice Dial phone by voice Voice-enabled calendar entry Voice-enabled send email Voice-enabled web browser Voice-enabled weather forecast Voice-enabled stock quotes Voice-enabled sport scores Voice-enabled show contact information Voice-enabled movie times

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you are looking for a voice recognition product to relieve you of typing tasks - one of these will help you become more productive almost immediately.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Both the ViaVoice and Dragon software products are built for ease-of-use.

Works With - YYYY

ViaVoice products are available for the Macintosh world, Dragon for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp1/2

Very nice web site for technical support. A knowledge base, user guides and communities (downloads as well) are available to help you. If you need more aid in resolving your problem, email support is $9.95 per incident (after the first 30 days) and phone support is $19.95 per incident.

Features - iiii

One of these packages undoubtedly has the functionality you need. We like the "higher end" products - Preferred and Professional for folks in the Legal, Medical or Technical professions with specialized vocabulary needs If you're going to do this - buy the most functional - you'll get better performance and fewer errors. That is REALLY what you are paying for in the higher end packages - AND THEY ARE WORTH IT!

Overall Rating - %%%%

If you don't have XP with voice recognition "built-in" or have been unhappy with its performance, we'd recommend one of the higher end products from Nuance - Dragon Preferred. Again, be prepared to spend some time training the software and customizing the dictionaries before you'll really "gain" time with these packages.

VoiceIt Technologies

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

VoiceIt Technologies' voice recognition software is easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

VoiceIt pricing is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
VoiceNavIt 2.0	$24.95	Palm OS Windows Mobile	Voice Recognition Software	Seven new predefined voice commands preprogrammed - New Appointment, New Contact, New Task, Take Picture View Calendar, View Contacts, View Tasks Open and check email with a voice command Set up separate voice commands for each email account Launch a new contact page inside of your address book Log expenses on the fly Launch a new event inside of calendar Treo Treo 700w, 700wv, 750v support LifeDrive, Centro, Palm Treo mobile manager support
Voice Dial It 2.0	$24.95, upgrade $4.95	Palm OS, Windows Mobile	Voice Recognition Software	Dial any person by name Integration with existing contacts Matching sensitivity settings Playback of recorded contact names Displays recorded contact name wave data Launches voice dialer and starts listening mode while other apps are running Multi-language compliant Digit dialing support
Voice SecureIt 2.0	$24.95	Palm OS, Windows Mobile	Voice Recognition Software	Voice security application Compatible with Treo 700w, 700wx, 750v smartphone Backdoor password access Voice Print Phrase for authentication
Voice PlayIt 1.1	$19.95	Pocket Tunes	Voice Recognition Software	Hands free voice control operation for Pocket Tunes Small memory footprint (150kb) Training Wizard On-line help Background noise removal option Player voice activation option Auto update options

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Tired or typing in a log on every time you need to work on your system? Want to make sure your business PC is your business PC (and not your family's gaming toy?). VoiceSecureIt can ensure that only YOU can use your system. And, it saves a bit of time by just responding to your voice and not requiring you to type in a password (and mis-type it at that!). Voice Dial It software for Treo 700/750 provides voice dialing without subscribing to a carrier service.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Sometimes it's just easier to say a word instead of typing (or tapping) it in!

Works With - YYY

VoiceIt's software is designed for the Palm OS environment.

Support - ppp

VoiceIt Technologies' web site includes an online user forum where you can get your questions answered.

Features - iii1/2

The Voice Dialer software iterations provide voice dialing at a much lower cost (over all) than subscribing to a wireless carrier voice dial service. VoiceNavIt lets you navigate around your Treo or Centro smartphone or LifeDrive using your voice and not the stylus or keypad. Voice PlayIt allows you to control Pocket Tunes using your voice.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

The Voice Dialer software provides voice dialing - at a low cost and VoiceNavIt will let you run your Treo or LifeDrive using your voice alone.

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