The concept of speech recognition – the ability of computers to
recognize and interpret speech – is not new. In fact, it has been a hot
topic of interest in the computer industry for as long as there have
been computers around. Voice recognition was once a distant dream but
has now become an everyday reality. The idea is quite simple; speech
recognition uses a microphone connected to your computer running the
speech recognition program. It typically collects words spoken into the
microphone and then converts the analog sound of your voice into digital
data, which is then processed by the speech recognition software.
Microsoft has had a speech recognition program for years, but it did not
become part of the Microsoft operating systems until the release of
Windows Vista in 2006. Microsoft has added some features to its speech
recognition program in the current Windows 10 operating system. Speech
recognition has improved dramatically over the years. And while Window
Speech Recognition may sound like a great deal for those with additional
needs, it is not the only speech recognition software out there. And
when it comes to speech recognition, Dragon NaturallySpeaking (or
Dragon) is pretty much the only game in town. Dragon is probably the
world’s best voice recognition software package out there.
What is Windows Speech Recognition?
Windows Speech Recognition is the Microsoft’s proprietary voice
recognition program that comes pre-built with Windows operating systems.
Microsoft has had the speech recognition built-in since the Windows
Vista. The speech recognition allows you to control the desktop user
interface with your voice. It not only allows you to control your PC
with your voice but also dictate text a hell of a lot faster than you
can type. To use speech recognition, you need a PC with a microphone.
The setup is quite simple; you just have to set up the microphone and
train the computer to recognize your voice and you’re good to go. It
picks up words spoken into the microphone and then transforms the analog
sound of your voice into digital data, which is then processed by the
speech recognition software.
What is “Dragon”?
Dragon NaturallySpeaking, or simply called Dragon, is one of the world’s
best speech recognition software that allows conversion of spoken words
into text in a text program using just your voice. Dragon allows users
to have complete control over their computers only with voice commands.
Dragon has transformed the way people work, write and enter data. It
gives the ultimate power to your lips making it the principal output
device and allowing you to type faster with your voice commands than
with your fingers. Dragon comes in a variety of versions and each
version has its own set of features. The basic version comes with all
the basic features and costs $49.99, while the more advanced
professional and enterprise versions can go all the way up to $500.
Difference between Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon
Basics of Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon
Both Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) and Dragon are among the most
preferred choices when it comes to speech recognition, especially
desktop dictation. WSR is the Microsoft’s very own speech recognition
program that comes pre-built into Windows operating systems. Microsoft
has had the speech recognition built-in since the Windows Vista. Dragon,
on the other hand, is the world’s best speech recognition software
package that enables you to do more on your computer in less time by
just talking rather than typing words. Dragon is an all-in-one software
solution from Nuance Communications.
Accuracy in Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon
Converting spoken words into text is a tricky job in itself, and Dragon
lives up to the challenge. Dragon can do great things as soon as you
open the package, especially with the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium
version, you get maximum accuracy with minimal errors. Dragon claims
words appear on the box faster than typing with accuracy that is truly
unmatched. Dragon dictates much better than most of the speech
recognition programs out there, including Windows Speech Recognition. In
addition, the Premium version can effectively recognize different
accents to interpret different dialects of English. Dragon undoubtedly
excels when it comes to accuracy.
Cost of Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon
As Windows Speech Recognition is the Microsoft’s own voice recognition
program that comes pre-built into the Windows operating systems, it is
absolutely free of cost. Anyone with a Windows PC can use the Windows
Speech Recognition program without paying a single dime. On the
contrary, Dragon is a paid yet robust speech recognition solution that
provides something for everyone, from the basic plan for the individuals
that costs $49.99 to the Premium plans for professionals and
enterprises that costs up to $500.
Summary of Windows Speech Recognition Vs. Dragon
Microsoft has had the Windows Speech Recognition of years. It’s
elegantly designed and easy to setup and use, and it is surprising how
useful it can be for anyone who doesn’t like to type. It not only allows
you to control your PC with your voice, but also dictate text a whole
lot faster than you can type. And considering it’s free of cost, it is a
decent speech recognition program without any extra bells and whistles.
However, it cannot match the accuracy of its archrival Dragon
NaturallySpeaking. Dragon is a robust speech recognition software
package that provides something for almost everyone, whether it’s a
student or a professional or an enterprise.