Editor's Note: At TopTenREVIEWS we strive to evaluate products from each category that are similar in order to make a fair comparison. While this product is still being produced we do not feel it is comparable to the other items in our lineup at this time.
Based on the same voice recognition software technology as Dragon Naturally Speaking MacSpeech Dictate, manufactured exclusively for the Macintosh platform, is an exceptional voice recognition software package. It uses the brains of Dragon’s product but has its own intuitive look and feel that’s all Mac.
Standout Features:
- Includes a noise-canceling USB headset microphone and adapter
- Works with applications you already own
- Built specifically for the Mac OS platform
- Well-done tutorials and training
- Spelling mode makes browsing online easy
- Accuracy improves the more you use the software
- Editing existing text is simple
- Rapid response time
- Spelling mode makes browsing online simple
- Supports multiple user profiles—limited only by the available space on your hard drive
MacSpeech Dictate voice recognition software isn’t a part of an existing product but is built specifically for the Mac platform and leverages that interface very well. The software comes complete with extensive commands for all of the preinstalled Mac products such as iPhoto, iMovie, Safari and Mail, to name just a few and you can use the voice recognition software with any program on your Mac. The existing commands can be modified or new ones created to suit individual users’ needs.
MacSpeech Dictate voice recognition software is comprised of four modes: Command, Dictate, Spelling and Sleep. Each mode is seamlessly integrated and all work together smoothly. Command mode is used when you only want to control your Mac by voice. Obviously, Dictate mode is where the user speaks and the software commits words to “paper”. Spelling mode allows the user to spell out words, a particularly useful feature when using potentially hard-to-understand terms, names or words in other languages. It’s also the best way to browse the Internet via voice. Sleep mode keeps the microphone on but the software ignores everything except a command to resume listening.
Dictation is a major function of MacSpeech Dictate voice recognition software's purpose (as evidenced by the product’s title.) To that end, a great deal of labor has gone into making this feature as effortless and user-friendly as possible. And the developers have certainly achieved their goal. The software has 11 pre-built dictation commands along with the ability to modify them or create additional new commands as you see fit. The biggest challenges we found when using the software were to remember to speak the punctuation and not to run words together.
MacSpeech Dictate is capable of working with six distinct types of accents in the English language. We found it rather amusing that US teens are classified as having their own accent but agree that it’s true.
- US English
- US Teens
- British English
- Australian English
- Indian English
- Singaporean English
The accuracy of this voice recognition software is excellent. We conducted an accuracy test and MacSpeech Dictate scored a 98% which is quite impressive. It occasionally missed short words such as “will” and “the” but consistently nailed the more obscure words such as “colloquialisms”, “jive” and “groovy”. Just like Dragon Naturally Speaking, this software will continually improve its accuracy the more often you use it. The software’s accuracy can be improved by conducting additional training at any time. This is called “Phrase Training” which improves the accuracy of the program’s built-in dictionary. This training feature is highly recommended especially when first using the product.
MacSpeech Dictate software recognition software’s technology is speaker-dependant rather than independent, meaning that each person that uses the software must create a profile and train the program to recognize their unique speaking habits and word usage. Its input method is continuous rather than discrete. Continuous input is a more natural way of speaking as opposed to the discrete method which requires the speaker to pause after each word, thus effectively halting any creativity in writing.
The developers at MacSpeech voice recognition software have put together excellent training and setup procedures. The support documentation is well written and easily understood. They have done a good job of putting what could be a tech-heavy subject into approachable, layman’s terms and guide the user through using the product without intimidating them.
The additional help features consist of an extensive, searchable online user’s manual, support via email and phone along with a knowledge bases and forums that individuals can access to talk with other users about problems and question they may be experiencing. The developers have also provided a series of instructional videos on their web site to help the user get the most out of their product.
If you’re a Mac user that’s looking for an outstanding voice recognition software package, MacSpeech Dictate is the solution for you. With a high degree of accuracy, an easy, intuitive interface, fast response and powerful recognition technology, it really can’t be beat. If you’re working on a PC, be sure to read our in-depth review of Dragon’s Naturally Speaking product.
