Dragon Naturally Speaking 9

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Central idea behind this software and similar products is that most individuals can speak more no. of words in a given time than they can type. Naturally Speaking 9 is a speech recognition software from Nuance. Using it one can create docs, send e-mails, and create reports by simply dictating content. This software is compatible with most of Windows programs used for regular official work such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, IE, and Corel WordPerfect. Agreat feature of this product is that besides creating docs one can also edit created docs. This product can be of great aid for physically challenged individuals.

We tested Naturally Speaking 9 Preferred version. Installation was simple and easy and package includes a noise cancelling headset microphone recommended by company. To start using it one has to configure it, create a user, and select type of accent (there is Indian English option also available). Sound checks and writing style recognition are carried out by software to get info about user. Scanning existing docs to know about writing style of user without user being asked to type anything is a good approach of this software. Once first-time configuration is over using this software was very easy for me even with my Indian accent. We tested this software by creating a Word doc and it was able to type accurately most of the doc. Feature that was really standing out was the use of IE with this software, dictating search keywords in Google and then getting results without touching anything was amazing.

Bottomline: Efficient device for SMBs, owing to its print speed and network integration.

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