Comparison Matrices: Speech
Recognition Products
|
|
Dragon Naturally
Speaking |
MacSpeech Dictate |
Speak Q( Requires
WordQ software) |
Vista/Windows 7
Speech Recognition |
|
Approximate Costs (check for updates) |
DNS Professional: 899.99 DNS Preferred: 199.99 |
MacSpeech Dictate: 199.99 |
Word Q: 199.99 Speak Q plug in: 99.99 |
Free with Vista or Windows 7 |
|
Manufacturer |
Nuance |
Nuance |
Quillsoft |
Microsoft |
|
Main Features |
·
Seamless text entry into any text field
including word processing, Internet, and e-mail. Very good recognition
accuracy for most users. Users can switch between typing by hand and
dictation. ·
Program learns how a user speaks as the
program is used and corrected over time. ·
Create custom commands to
insert blocks of texts or bitmaps—such as your name, title, and
signature—with a single voice command. Professional version allows for the
creation of commands using advanced scripting to control virtually any
application and allows the user to save recorded voice data for later
correction. ·
Control mouse movements and
mouse clicks by voice · Includes microphone |
·
Text entry into word
processing programs such as Pages and MS Word for Mac. Very good recognition
accuracy. Users cannot easily switch between typing and dictation. ·
Program learns how a user speaks as the
program is used and corrected over time. ·
Create custom commands to
insert blocks of texts or bitmaps—such as your name, title, and
signature—with a single voice command. No Professional version capabilities
like Dragon. ·
Cannot control mouse movements
but can perform mouse clicks. ·
Includes microphone |
·
WordQ/SpeakQ,
is for those who can type but who have trouble writing and reading. They can benefit from a
combination of word prediction, speech output and
speech input to generate text when stuck with spelling and word forms,
identifying errors, proofreading and editing. Such users may find it
difficult or impossible to use other speech recognition products because of
reading demands and complexity. ·
There are no verbal commands.
You only dictate text. ·
No mouse controls ·
No mic
included. |
·
Part of the Ease of Access features in Vista
and Windows 7. ·
Dictation is possible in virtually any text
field. ·
Best used as a simple dictation tool and not
for program control. ·
Mouse control and clicking is available. · Microphone is not included. |
|
Strengths |
· Very good recognition accuracy. ·
Generally easy to set up. · Gives full control over a computer. · Variable levels of custom command creation. · Can be used with portable recording devices. · Professional version supports saving the recorded dictation so dictation can be corrected by another person. This is useful for persons with learning disabilities. ·
Customizable vocabulary. |
· Very good recognition accuracy. · Generally easy to set up. · Can create custom commands so drop in blocks of texts or pictures only. ·
Customizable vocabulary |
· Good recognition accuracy. Good tool for someone with a learning disability specifically. · Speech prompting during training to overcome reading difficulties. |
· Good recognition accuracy, but not as good as Dragon or MacSpeech Dictate. Best used as a simple dictation tool. · Text macro capability can be added by downloading a program extension from Microsoft. · Customizable vocabulary |
|
Weaknesses |
· Difficult to use with people who have strong accents or slurred speech. · Can be difficult to use in noisy environments. · Requires reading to set up a user file to begin using the program. · Difficult training text |
· Quirky performance in word processing programs requiring users to have to problem solve more often than with Dragon. · Limited access to Mac programs. · Difficult training text · Separate program required for use with portable recording devices. |
· No command capability. · All dictation is channeled though the word prediction window. The user must then do a mouse click to drop text into the text field. · No mouse movement or clicking capabilities. · Does not support portable recording devices. |
· Program has difficulty distinguishing between dictated text and voice commands. · User’s recorded dictation cannot be saved for later correction by a third party. ·
Does not support portable recording devices. |
|
Platform(s) |
Windows Only |
Mac Only |
Windows, Mac |
Windows Only |
|
USB? |
No. Program requires full installation on hard drive. Network capabilities. |
No. Program requires full installation on hard drive |
No. Program requires full installation on hard drive |
N/A |
|
Website |
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Work with Open Office and MS Word? |
OO: Limited compatibility Word: Yes |
OO: Limited compatibility. Word: Yes |
OO: Yes Word: Yes |
OO: Limited compatibility Word: Yes |
|
Works on Web? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |