I got a new toy yesterday. I am using it as I enter this blog post. It is Dragon Naturally Speaking. It is the coolest thing ever.
I have used dictation software before. Many years ago, when I was a software developer, I over did it with my hands. I was physically unable to type for a while. Dictation software allowed me to keep a job. But, I was no longer able to write software. It was that injury that initially pushed me into management. Those who can, do, those who can’t, manage. The technology at the time was not all that terrific and I returned to using a keyboard as soon as I was able. This latest version totally rocks!
The interesting test will be to see how it reacts to speaking in a ventriloquist voice.
Let’s give this a try:
- the boy bought the basketball
- many men make money
- if good fortune follows a fellow he’s fine
- values in veal and a venison
- please play the Piccolo
Hey, not bad. Those were dictated in my ventriloquist voice. Yes, I too, learned from Jimmy Nelson.
The really cool thing about this is the speed at which it is dictating. My first dictation system required a pause between each word. This system actually likes it better when you speak normally. This is way faster than typing.
Another feature that I look forward to trying with this is the ability to dictate voice memos on my Blackberry and transfer those directly using dictation software. Check back with me in about a week if you’re interested to know how that works.
Happy dictating!
