I began using voice recognition products around 1992 when IBM release its first voice recognition program on a commercial basis. It came as a card that had to be a fit into a slot inside the computer. You had to dictate one word at a time. Upgrades were important as each one provided significant progress in the IBM line the voice dictation products. I stayed with IBM all the way through Viavoice 10 professional. A little over a year ago, I decided to try Dragon Dictate Naturallyspeaking version 9 Preferred. I've found that both speed and accuracy improved over Viavoice. It was also much easier to dictate within different windows programs. Navigational commands used to start various programs remained a challenge and was erratic. When Internet explorer 7 was released, I had increased difficulty using voice control of the explorer interface. As I upgraded to Microsoft office professional 2007, it became even more complicated to navigate the window even with the 9.5 update.

Recently, I purchased a new laptop computer from Dell. I had it configured with the Intel core two Duo processor running at 2.0 MHZ and two gigs of ram. As I use this computer for both home and office, I decided on the vista ultimate operating system. I chose a hard drive running at 7200 RPM. This is close to the same configuration of my main desktop computer upon which I had been using dragon dictate on windows XP professional.

I discovered the voice dictation system in vista as I began playing around with it. I had heard that one was included but have not given it much thought as I had planned on loading dragon dictate. However, I have a need to explore so I did. In trying out Microsoft's voice recognition program, I was drawn to the new interface. As I experimented, I was amazed at how easy it was to navigate the windows environment. After training, I was able to bring up any program, switch between programs, and close programs effortlessly. Within Internet explorer, I was able to choose any location for data entry or program control utilizing a new feature which they call begin numbers. In any program, when you say begin numbers, every possible option is assigned a number. To choose a location, merely say the number. It verifies your selection with an OK sign which to verify by saying OK and places the cursor in that location. The program also utilizes a mouse grid command similar to the one dragon dictate uses but it works much better.

Dragon dictate is still more accurate in my opinion. However, I have only been using it for a week so time will tell. The Microsoft system allows correction in an improved interface. With its new command features and managing the windows environment, dragon dictate is definitely being challenged.

Take care, Jerry