Talk to Your Computer: A look at affordable voice access to Macintosh and IBM computers.

Ed Salisbury, DATI Kent County Assistive Technology Resource Center

What is voice access?

There are two basic types of voice access systems available: navigation and dictation. A navigation system allows one to perform basic operations of the computer using his or her voice. Any command that is to be recognized must first be trained into the computer. Dictation systems, on the other hand, provide the user with navigation capabilities as well as the ability to speak new words. The computer builds voice files and learns the person's patterns. Whenever a new word is spoken, it is compared to the person's voice file and a dictionary file. The user is then presented with a list of words that are the closest match to the word spoken. The user then chooses from that list. After minimal training, the person should be dictating at around twenty words per minute. Most are able to dictate up to 60 words per minute after some practice.

What systems are available for IBM-compatible computers?

IBM and compatible computer users have somewhat more choices available in voice recognition products. Dragon Systems, the originator of voice recognition technology for IBM and compatibles, produces three full dictation systems:

• DragonDictate Starter Edition with 5,000 word vocabulary and 110,000 word backup dictionary,
• DragonDictate Classic Edition with 30,000 word vocabulary and 110,000 word backup dictionary, and
• DragonDictate Power Edition with 60,000 word vocabulary and 110,000 word backup dictionary.

The prices for these are $695, $995, and $1995 and require a 486 computer with 8, 12, and 16 megabytes of RAM, respectively. Windows versions are also available at the same cost. IBM also markets the three DragonDictate editions under the IBM VoiceType name. Price and specifications are the same for the DragonDictate and VoiceType products. Kurzweil AI, a division of Xerox, also produces a dictation system called Kurzweil Voice. This product operates in Windows and costs around $995. Kurzweil Voice has a 60,000 word vocabulary and includes a fax/modem on its sound card. A 486DX with 16 megabytes of dedicated RAM is required.

What systems are available for the Macintosh?

Surprisingly, voice access has become very affordable. Apple Computer actually includes Plain Talk, a voice navigation program, with their AV line of Mcintoshes. For those Macintosh users who do not have an AV Model, Articulate Systems produces the Voice Navigator which sells for around $350 and works with virtually all Macs. If full dictation is necessary, Articulate Systems produces the Power Secretary which sells for around $2500. This system requires an AV Macintosh or an 040 series Macintosh with a 16 bit sound card. The Power Secretary has a 30,000 word vocabulary with 120,000 word backup dictionary.

Voice recognition technology is not only commonplace; it is affordable. It can allow even those with the most severe physical impairments access to computers with a speed and efficiency rivaled only by experienced touch typists and Morse Code input. For more information about this exciting technology, contact your local ATRC.