Also known as speech-to-text (STT), speech recognition is the long-dreamed-of technology that allows speech to be automatically transcribed into text, completely circumventing the writing process. In the modern world, transcription services are readily available, and improving in accuracy and the features they provide. Services are much more affordable than ever before, and text consumes much less bandwidth than audio files. The speech recognition industry is growing fast, and is expected to be worth almost $25 billion by 2025.

New technologies like speech recognition can be immensely profitable for businesses. Did you know that companies like WellSaid Labs (https://wellsaidlabs.com/) and similar others can provide solutions to text to speech? It is possible to use artificial intelligence to enhance any story. With the right voice style, the AI will tell your stories with the right tone, intonation, and pitch. You don’t have to do any crazy editing. In addition to taking on new solutions that can increase productivity, most enterprises find that hiring a professional IT consultancy that can help with all their IT needs is a wise decision.

Speechnotes

Speechnotes is a dictation app powered by Google voice recognition technology. It is available online and can be used immediately, without the need to register. While recording speech, users can add additional punctuation with a keyboard for this purpose. Greetings, names, signatures and other textual features can also be added with the keyboard. Capitalization is automatic, with notes added to mark the changes. Notes can be customized with different fonts and text sizes, while premium features can be added through in-app purchases.

Dragon Professional

Dragon is aimed at more advanced users of speech recognition technology, and this is reflected in the relatively high retail price of $300. For this, the solution can be relied on to render the keyboard obsolete. Even before training Dragon to your specific voice, it can dictate documents with a 99 percent accuracy rate and a typing speed of 160 words per minute. Dragon is a powerful tool that uses deep learning technology which allows it to accurately transcribe to text and use voice commands for computer actions. It also integrates with iWork, Microsoft Office, among other popular applications.

Braina

With capabilities that extend beyond voice recognition, Braina also serves as a personal assistant. It provides voice command for web and computer functions, it can run computer or internet searches, and give updates on current events. It can be used as a dictionary and thesaurus, and can dictate speech-to-text in more than 100 different languages. It can also play music or read an e-book out loud to the listener. Braina supports the built-in microphones of most computers, and it also has a mobile app. This solution is priced at $239.

Google Keyboard

Google Keyboard can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store for an immediate speech-to-text app. The speech input feature is part of the keyboard for physical use, as a useful and responsive tool. Support is provided for more than 60 languages, and it can be used in conjunction with Google Translate. It also enables voice commands, and for images to be used in text through voice commands. Google Keyboard is not intended as a speech recognition tool, though it sufficiently provides this function. It can be easily integrated with other software, and is completely free.

Transcribe

A dictation app powered by artificial intelligence, Transcribe has been marketed as a personal assistant that will automatically transform audio and video documents into text files. It also supports over 80 different languages. Notes can also be easily created, and files can be imported from programs that include Dropbox. Transcribed files can be exported to word processors or other software programs for editing. Transcribe is available as a free download, though many of the advanced features need to be selected through in-app purchase. Transcribe is also only available on iOS.

Just Press Record

A speech recognition app that is dictation dedicated, Just Press Record is mainly used as a mobile audio recorder. It is very easy to use, and features one-tap recording, which enables unlimited recording by just pressing one button. The transcription service is impressive, it turns audio into text quickly and allows in-app editing. Punctuation command recognition ensures that errors are kept to a minimum. The app is cloud based and allows iCloud syncing on all devices, so files can be shared easily. It is only available for iOS devices at $4.99.

Sonix

Sonix is an online transcription service which enables users to upload files and receive a transcription within five minutes. As well as fast processing, Sonix offers a range of online editing tools, multi-user permissions that enable the easy sharing of transcripts with colleagues, and a useful search and analysis feature. It also offers transcription services in different languages, though it is relatively expensive at $15 per month, with an additional $5 per hour of transcription.

Windows Speech Recognition

The built-in dictation software of Windows, Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) allows users to dictate and edit text throughout browsers, web applications and programs. WSR is most effectively used through Windows 10 and it can also be activated by Cortana, the digital assistant of Microsoft. The voice recognition service can be used to manage calendar and email, set reminders, play music or run searches. Speech recognition can be easily accessed free of charge through any Windows computer, under Programs – Accessories – Ease of Access.

As we enter an era in which voice is becoming more commonly used, those that can make full use of this technology will surely reap the benefits. Naturally, there will be resistance to any new practices and processes, but the result of overcoming this will be increased efficiency and productivity. When it is effective, transcription has the potential to save hours of time, so harnessing voice recognition is something we should all be considering.