Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers a new speech recognition application (see article below), an online document management system, a business-to-iPhone transcription service, contract management software, and an Adobe Acrobat alternative for Mac OS X. Don't miss the next issue.
Write What You Say Faster
People who write about speech recognition software always like to boast that they're using the software to write the article. It has become as predictable a cliche in technology journalism as the "grandmother test," ratings from 1-5 stars or some other symbol (guilty as charged), pop culture references to make dry topics seem sexier, and gratuitous Apple references to increase page views (did I ever mention that U2's The Edge lives in my neighborhood and uses a Mac?). Well, I'm not writing this article using speech recognition software, but you probably couldn't tell if I chose to do so with the latest version of the market leader.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 … in One Sentence
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11 is the new version of the world's most popular speech recognition software for Windows.
The Killer Feature
When auto makers announce new models, they often tout the increased horsepower and other engine improvements. That's because they're afraid to use the word "speed" thanks to our anemic speed limits. Fortunately, fast software won't get you a citation so Dragon is unashamedly touting the speed and improved accuracy of NaturallySpeaking 11.
Not only will the new version transcribe what you say faster, but you can speak faster as well. Also, it'll perform the commands you give it faster such as formatting changes, switching programs, etc. On the accuracy front, version 11 improves upon version 10 by 15% (your mileage may vary).
Other Notable Features
NaturallySpeaking 11 gets you up and running faster, including simplified training text and the ability to set up your geographic region for proper formatting. If you dictate into a digital recorder, Dragon has reduced training time from 15 to 4 minutes. Speaking of which NaturallySpeaking 11 handles more native file types without conversion such as DSS and DS2.
Dragon has added a slew of new voice commands to NaturallySpeaking. While you still cannot order it to pour you a glass of pinot noir or chat with your mother-in-law on the phone using your voice, you can use a single voice command for actions that would otherwise require several keystrokes or mouse clicks such as searching Google and other sites. You can also scroll within documents by voice and use phrases like "slow down" and "speed up" to control the speed.
What Else Should You Know?
Dragon offers a number of versions of NaturallySpeaking 11, including a Legal version that sells for $799. The Premium version costs $199. The price difference reflects the Legal version's ability to import legal words into its library across your entire firm rather than having to train each copy of the software individually. Dragon also offers a Mac version for $179 called Dragon Dictate. Learn more about Dragon NaturallySpeaking 11.
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So many products, so little time. In each issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The "In One Sentence" section describes each product in one sentence, and the "Killer Feature" section describes each product's most compelling feature. The TechnoLawyer NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
