Newer Windows has speech recognition built in?

[Muse]

I just encountered this information in researching Dragon Naturally Speaking 10, which I've suggested to my brother who has hand problems and types slowly to boot. Some random posts say speech recognition is built into Windows now, but it's unclear which version. A post says it's on the start menu. Details? Does it work? How does it compare with Dragon Naturally Speaking. And while we're on the subject, what realistically is needed for a microphone? I think that DNS 10 comes with a headset. Does that work acceptably?

 

[Muse]

Found this post in comp.speech.users usenet group:

Nice new feature in Windows 7 Speech Recognition

Edit: Looking, I see the feature in my Vista Home Premium as described at the post linked above:

Programs/Accessories/Ease of Use/Windows Speech Recognition

Well, my brother has Vista. Is it worthwhile for him to try Windows own speech recognition or should he get DNS 10 Standard (with its concluded headset)?

If someone could suggest an economical smart choice for a headset or mic or similar for myself to experiment with WSR, thanks! I'm a pretty fast typist (60 WPM +) but have been curious about SR ever since I heard about it in the mid 1990's.

 

[Scotteq]

Both Vista and 7 have Speech recognition built in. I haven't seen it reviewed/compared to DNS, though I would presume DNS would be superior since it is a purpose built product. However, DNS isn't cheap and the included app may be adequate for your needs. Since it's 'free' and included with the OS you already have, there should be little reson not to play with it and see.

From the sound properties, select Microphone, and then 'setup'...

Works best with a Headset, rather than a desktop mic.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Scotteq
Both Vista and 7 have Speech recognition built in. I haven't seen it reviewed/compared to DNS, though I would presume DNS would be superior since it is a purpose built product. However, DNS isn't cheap and the included app may be adequate for your needs. Since it's 'free' and included with the OS you already have, there should be little reson not to play with it and see.

From the sound properties, select Microphone, and then 'setup'...

Works best with a Headset, rather than a desktop mic.

DNS has been around a long time. It must be pretty good. Myself, I'd play with the free version in Windows but would need a headset. Can anyone recommend an economical but adequate headset for this?

DNS 10 can be had for around $37 shipped, headset included both on ebay and as a limited time special from CompUSA (just got an email from them today):

CompUSA offer

I assume the offer above gets tax added.

 

[nealh]

for good speech recognition(ie results with few errors) you need a HQ mic...expect to spend $150-$300

I use DNS Medical for dictation and a crappy mic will give you horrible results with poor recognition

http://www.knowbrainer.com/Sho...gory/5/microphones.cfm

http://www.emicrophones.com/

I also recommend using a usb soundpod from andrea

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: nealh
for good speech recognition(ie results with few errors) you need a HQ mic...expect to spend $150-$300

I use DNS Medical for dictation and a crappy mic will give you horrible results with poor recognition

http://www.knowbrainer.com/Sho...gory/5/microphones.cfm

http://www.emicrophones.com/

I also recommend using a usb soundpod from andrea

Thanks. Is the quality of the mic much more important than the particular software being used (e.g. DNS vs. whatever Microsoft has running in Vista and Windows 7)?

 

[nealh]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: nealh
for good speech recognition(ie results with few errors) you need a HQ mic...expect to spend $150-$300

I use DNS Medical for dictation and a crappy mic will give you horrible results with poor recognition

http://www.knowbrainer.com/Sho...gory/5/microphones.cfm

http://www.emicrophones.com/

I also recommend using a usb soundpod from andrea

Thanks. Is the quality of the mic much more important than the particular software being used (e.g. DNS vs. whatever Microsoft has running in Vista and Windows 7)?

Depends on needs. DNS is a good but not great program, the company sucks at updating issues.

I do not use speech recognition in windows but have read it does perform well. Supposedly Win 7 results are better than Vista. Try it first then look at DNS and you want a version that allows easy input of commands and macros.

A quality microphone is a must period. Speech recongition is greatly affected by noise(not just background sounds) but the microphone. MOst mics are not made for speech recognition

Sennheiser ME3 is terrific, radioshack has knock-off that supposedly works well.
plantronics CS55, the boom mic and revolabs xTag are all terrific choices, as well.

Remember if you use if for fun, not a big deal but if for productivity a 5% error is 5/100 words and this is a huge pain in the ass to correct.