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Advanced Speech Technologies provides training on both Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Windows Speech Recognition for Vista, and we are sometimes asked to compare the two. Dragon NaturallySpeaking by Nuance has been the industry leader for many years. Windows Speech Recognition, which is part of the Windows Vista operating system, is much newer. Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) has been a tempting choice, partly because it is essentially free when you buy a computer with Windows Vista. (To launch WSR, open the Start menu, and type “spee.”)
All speech recognition users, no matter how they’re using the software, aim to dictate with high recognition accuracy. Low recognition accuracy of dictation is the primary reason users abandon their speech recognition software. On this all-important point, Dragon NaturallySpeaking remains #1. Windows Speech Recognition, though a serious product, will be less satisfying and time-saving to use than Dragon NaturallySpeaking because there will be more errors to correct. As time passes and future versions of the software are released, it is expected that the accuracy of the WSR software will improve.
For users with injuries and disabilities, who are looking to their voice recognition software to replace or partially replace the use of the mouse, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is again the better choice, at least for now, because it offers a full range of commands and well-developed capabilities for customized macros.
If you choose Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Nuance offers several products in a wide range of prices. Unless you need a specialized version like Medical or Legal, focus on the products called Standard, Preferred, and Professional. Note that the “speech engine,” which is the part of the software that turns your dictation into text, is the very same in all Dragon NaturallySpeaking versions. This means that if you are using voice recognition software only to dictate, and you have no need to control the computer and replace the use of the mouse, you may be able to get by with a lower-priced product in the Dragon NaturallySpeaking line.
Return to this site again soon when we post a longer discussion of Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Windows Speech Recognition, as well as comments on choosing a microphone and other hardware and accessories.
Now, click here for more information on how to get started on voice recognition software and training.
