Renard’s Thoughts On Speech-To-Text Software

Speech-to-text software is nothing new. It has been around for many years.

To be honest, I have no intention of using speech-to-text software.

Why?

Because I enjoy typing every single word on my laptop computer.

Recently, one of my followers complained about the lack of user-friendliness of Apple’s speech-to-text function (She claimed that it was rather difficult to use with WordPress’ Block Editor).

If I were her and I desperately wanted to use Apple’s speech-to-text functionality, I would have done it on a regular text document and when I was finished, I would have copied the article from my text document and pasted it into the Block Editor.

Anyway, I am certainly not her; which means that I would not be dabbling with any speech-to-text software.

Let it be known that I am not against anyone for wanting to use speech-to-text software for the purpose of creating blog posts.

From what I have gathered years ago, speech-to-text software is supposed to make it easier for a blogger to get those words of theirs out in a printed form.

Apparently, those people with so-called writer’s block can use it to dictate their words; which make their way on the screen (This is probably a case of speaking is easier than writing).

Today, I am going to share a list of speech-to-text software with you (Some of them are absolutely free to use while others fall within the paid category).

Dictation

Dictation is an easy-to-use speech-to-text software that is free. All you need is a Google Chrome web browser and an internet connection.

Why is it that you need Google Chrome in order to use Dictation?

Because the spoken words are converted into texts using Google Speech Recognition.

Dictation is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux.

The funny thing is that most hardcore Linux users are not going to touch Google Chrome with a ten-foot pole (That means, using Dictation’s speech-to-text functionality is out of the question for them).

Anyone who is interested in learning how to use Dictation should have a look at Amit Agarwal’s, Dictation ― Type with your Voice.

Dragon Home

A lot of writers (most likely those people who have money to burn) use Dragon Home to transcribe their articles.

This speech-to-text software utilizes Nuance’s Deep Learning technology and according to Nuance, it has an accuracy rating of ninety-nine percent.

Transcribing words with Dragon Home is said to be three times faster than typing (Apparently, they have never come across an office secretary who can type incredibly fast with all ten fingers).

Dragon Home might be a bit pricey for some bloggers; it is being sold for $200.00 United States Dollars.

This particular speech-to-text software was designed to be used on Windows, but it is also compatible with iOS and Android.

The folks over at Nuance took the liberty of creating their own tutorial ― one that is simply named, Dragon Home 15 ― Quick Start Guide.

Windows Speech Recognition

Windows Speech Recognition is a free voice recognition software that comes pre-installed on all Windows PCs.

Shaant Minhas’ article, How to Enable Speech Recognition In Windows 10 or Windows 11, will teach you everything that you need about it.

If you are a blogger who uses Windows and you are on a very tight budget and you are interested in the speech-to-text functionality, Windows Speech Recognition might be the right software for you.

The Gboard App

The Gboard app is a virtual keyboard that was designed by Google. It is fully compatible with Android, iOS and iPadOS.

In addition to typing texts with your fingers, you can use your voice to type.

To learn more about Gboard’s speech-to-text functionality, I recommend that you read, Type With Your Voice; which is located in the Gboard Help Section.

Those of you with smartphones and tablets would be pleased to know that the Gboard app is free and can be downloaded via the Play Store or the App Store.

Google Docs

There are WordPress bloggers who type the draft copies of their blog posts on Google Docs; they would copy their draft copies from Google Docs and paste them into the Block Editor.

Most people who use Google Docs are aware of its speech-to-text functionality; it is just that a lot of them do not bother to use it.

If you would like to learn more about Google Docs’ speech-to-text functionality, you should read, How to Use Speech-To-Text In Google Docs by Darcy French.

Google Docs is free for the entire population of the planet to use.

Speechtonotes

Speechtonotes is a robust online notepad with speech capabilities.

This speech-to-text software works directly with the Google Chrome web browser.

People with Android smartphones and tablets would be pleased to know that Speechtoneotes can be downloaded via the Play Store.

Speechtones has both free and paid options.

To find out more about Speechtonotes, check out, Speechtonotes Review by Mark Pickavance.

Final Thoughts

Where I am concerned, I have no intention of using any sort of speech-to-text software.

Why?

Because I get a sense of enjoyment by typing out my blog posts on the keyboard of my laptop computer.

Now, it does not mean that you should stay away from speech-to-text software because of my refusal to use it.

As a matter of fact, there are valid reasons for utilizing speech-to-text software; such as:

• The ability to write more words in less time (This is ideal for those people who type slowly).
• It works anywhere where there is access to the internet (Which makes it suitable to transcribe blog posts via your smartphone when you are on the go).
• Using it to dictate while you rest your eyes.

Do keep in mind that speech-to-text software is not flawless and you might have to edit the transcribed blog post afterwards.

Is speech-to-text software something that you are interested in using?

And, have you ever used speech-to-text software to type out any of your blog posts?

I would love to read your thoughts on this (You can leave them in the form of a comment via my blog’s commenting section).

Thank you for reading and I look forward to having you here on Renard’s World in the near future.

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