Speech Recognition

An automatic speech recognition ( ASR ) system captures your speech and can distinguish your words and word groupings to form sentences.

Below, we've listed several ASR systems, some of their characteristics, and where on the Web you can learn more about them.

SoftVoice

• A text-to-speech system
• Uses an expert system engine
• Scans paper-based text and produces high-quality speech
• Supports 20 different voices (even whispering)
• SoftVoice, Inc.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking for Teens (true continuous speech)
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred (can be used with hand-held recording devices)
• Many, many other versions
• Dragon Systems

ViaVoice

• Continuous speech
• Includes professional vocabularies (jargon and the like)
• Comes in executive, office, and home editions
• IBM

L and H Voice Xpress

• Uses continuous speech recognition
• Works well with all common Windows applications
• 60,000 word active vocabulary
• Can customize vocabulary entries
• Lernout and Hauspie

FreeSpeech 2000

• Continuous and natural speech input
• Command control for most Windows applications
• Learns your speech patterns
• Philips

VoiceNet VRS 2000

• Click here to download a trial version
• Trial period is for 10 days
• Works with Windows 95/98/NT