Monday, January 02, 2012

Talking to Your Computer - Dragon Naturally Speaking

Happy New Year!

My favorite Star Trek is IV - The Voyage Home. In it there’s a scene where Scotty tries to talk to the computer, which of course was impossible in 1986.

Not anymore!

One of my Christmas presents was a software program called Dragon Naturally Speaking.

I love this program! Put on the microphone, run through the set up, and you are ready to roll.

What does Dragon do?

“Dictate documents, send email and instant messages, search and surf the Web, and more -- using just your voice. Dragon adapts to your voice and the words you use. You can even personalize Dragon with your own word lists of acronyms, proper names and other unique phrases.”

This program is incredible and it’s spurred me to write again. Actually, I’m editing. I’d written out my next book, about publishing and promoting, but just wasn’t motivated to do the first round of edits and enter it into the computer. (Also because I’m still doing research for websites and such.) But with the Dragon software, I don’t have to type it into the computer - I just say it. What a difference! And so fast. I produced three pages in an hour the first night and that is a record for me.

I have the home version, which is $99 at Nuance and Staples, but there are many different packages. There is even an app in iTunes.

Now Scotty can talk to the computer!

Have you ever tried the Dragon software?

28 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

It sounds Marvellous, will see if I can get it at Staples here in the UK.

In answer to your question how many times have I been to a Daniel concert well being a follower (not groupie) over 13 years I have lost count. Next time will be in my home town in April, as he is cutting down on touring that will be it for this year.

Happy New Year to you.
Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Crap, I need one of those!

Computer For Dummy said...

I want one of them you are too nice.

LD Masterson said...

I've looked at Dragon but couldn't visualize writing that way. Maybe I should re-think that.

Anonymous said...

I have not but can see how useful it could be. I'll check out the app and see if it works for an iPad. Have a happy and most successful New Year!

Laura S. said...

That's my favorite Star Trek movie too! I remember thinking it was really funny as a kid. I recently rented it because my husband had never seen it, and it is just as good now as it was then!

My mom was talking to me about Dragon the other day. It sounds cool!

~Sia McKye~ said...

What a great gift, Diane.

I used one in college when I had to have carpal tunnel surgery. It took a bit to get the program used to me and the way I spoke. It was the older version. This one sounds wonderful.

The Scotty scene was one of my favorites too.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Arlee Bird said...

I've heard of these types of programs and can see where they might be useful. I don't know how well it would work for me as far as my actual writing but I guess I could get use to it. You'll have to give updates on how you do with it and how one can use it most effectively.


Lee
Wrote By Rote

Anonymous said...

Nice gift, Diane! The software I support for work used to use Dragon Naturally. Currently I'm still learning how to do text-talking on my smart-phone. Maybe when I master that I will upgrade to Dragon Naturally!

Johanna Garth said...

I haven't tried it but it sounds really cool!

anthony stemke said...

That is some software for sure.

Have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great program. I'll check it out.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

So far I am really loving this program! Edited another three chapters last night. So much fun.

Jemi Fraser said...

I've used the program at school to teach the kids how to use it. Every year there are several students who find life so much easier if they use it. Great program :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

We're catching up to STAR TREK. Can transporters be far behind? LOL. If only -- it would make my work as a rare blood courier so much easier -- and safer!! Thanks for following my blog. I hope you enjoy THE LEGEND OF VICTOR STANDISH, Roland

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

That sounds really cool. The price sounds reasonable but I wouldn't put it on my old computer.

Helen Ginger said...

I've heard of the the Dragon software, but have never tried it. I think you're the first person who's tried it that I know.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I was just thinking about something like this...I'm getting carpal tunnel syndrome in one of my arms and this sounds like just the key!

Southpaw said...

OMG! That is so cool. I need me one of those.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

My gosh, you're just getting so techy. Does it make lots to typos in your e-mails? Oh, well. So do I. (-:

Karen Lange said...

I've heard of this but haven't used it. It sounds great! Thanks for the info. :)

Okie said...

Nice!

I also love the Scotty scene..."a keyboard, how quaint". :)

I've heard Dragon is pretty good. I tried some voice recognition stuff a few years ago and it still wasn't quite where it needed to be. Glad to hear that this one is working for you. :)

lynette355 said...

Now that would be nice.

DL Hammons said...

I have the iPhone and iPad apps. LOVE IT!!!!! :)

Nicole Zoltack said...

It sounds awesome! There are definitely times when my fingers can't type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts so it would be nice to just say everything out loud and have it typed for me. :)

Maria Zannini said...

I've been wanting this forever, but I've heard mixed results. How long was your learning curve? Did it seem to understand you easily?

I'll be interested to hearing more about it.

Shelley Munro said...

Your training period sounded relatively short. I worry about my New Zealand accent. Voice recognition things don't tend to like me!

Jules said...

Well heavens to Betsy, I have to have this one! I would write more too if I only had to talk. :)

Sorry I'm late but I'm SO glad I made it. Thanks for posting about Dragon. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow