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Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads, writes and illustrates for young people. Every once in a while she shares new art, writing and reading resources; subscribe below. Browse the archives here.

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« Erma Bombeck Writing Competition | Main | Transport Canada bans books from flights? »
Wednesday
Jan062010

iPhone app for writers: Dragon Dictation



I've been using voice-activated software from time to time, mainly when I'd like a break from long periods of intensive typing. I find voice dictation useful mainly for first drafts, not editing, but it's great to be able to "write" while I'm walking around in my office (my headphone/microphone set has a long cord).

I use MacSpeech, which uses dictation technology from Nuance, the company that makes Naturally Speaking, voice dictation software for Windows.

When I'm away from my laptop, I've started using Dragon Dictation for the iPhone (which is FREE right now) and I'm really impressed. The text in the screenshot above/left was dictated by me a few minutes ago, with no edits.

You can dictate up to 20-30 seconds at a time, with the text accumulating on the iPhone screen. When you're finished, you can e-mail yourself the text or copy/paste it into the iPhone app of your choice. Like any voice-activated software, the transcription isn't always perfect, but it beats the heck out of trying to thumb-type text while you're walking or having to manually transcribe a recorded message later.

You can read some reviews and find out more info here:

Review: Dragon Dictation -- iPhone voice transcription by Dragon NaturallySpeaking

MacRumors.com review

Some useful tips for Dragon Dictation (be sure to read the comments section, too!)


NOTE FOR THOSE NOT LIVING IN THE U.S.:
At present, you can only buy Dragon Dictation for the iPhone from the U.S. iTunes store. Here are Apple's own instructions for how to create an iTunes App Store account without a credit card.

Dragon Dictation for the iPhone is FREE for a limited time, so be sure to buy your copy soon!

Reader Comments (7)

Oh, man, thank you for posting this! I'm off to download it right now! You rock!!

January 6, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSherrie Petersen

Very cool! Thanks for the tip. I occasionally use the voice recorder feature on my iPhone, but forget that I have files. Plus, I still have to transcribe them when I sit down at my Mac. Thanks.

January 6, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterGwen Hernandez

That's it! After thinking about it for the last year I'm going to have to suck it up and buy an iPhone now.

January 6, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterBeth

I bet that would be great for nanowrimo!

January 7, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterTarrah

Looks like a great app. I'm a long-time loyal fan of Nuance - use Dragon constantly and have for probably ten years. I'll try the app on my iPod Touch - don't have an iPhone. You're a handy person to follow.
http://www.twitter.com/mkpelland

January 7, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMaryan Pelland

I've been trying to figure out how to buy US-only apps, and this was #1 on my list. THANK YOU for that link!

Sarah
Vancouver Island

January 13, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSarah

freelance writer

June 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKIMBERLEY28Reed

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