Back in the 1990s, I tried a dictation app from IBM, and it just wasn’t quite ready for prime time. I spent more time interrupting the app, editing the mistakes, and getting restarted again. I finally had to let it go. But – times have changed. If you’re interested, read on.
Fast forward 30 years. AI has improved the intelligence of these software apps in a tremendous way. Now, I’m finding that I can finally “write by talking” faster than I can type. By God’s grace, I can usually hit 80 to 100 words per minute when I type known material – but if I’m creating while I type, I pause quite a bit – and I correct phrasing a lot. With these new AI-assisted dictation apps, I can beat my typing speed by at least 50% every time. If your typing speed isn’t quite as fast, you would probably see even more significant gains in your own context. What’s more, along the way, the software will straighten up misspellings, grammar errors, and will take out all of the filler words you accidentally threw into your speaking. In fact, these apps will even automatically format your dictation in ways you might not have even conceived.
Security is at new levels, having been forced by doctors, HIPAA agreements, and European GDPR standards. (Just — like usual – make sure you turn off the option for your data to be used for training purposes.) Bottom line? If you send emails, write reports, create lesson materials, or do anything else with typing, one of these apps might be fun for you. You might just double your efficiency before you know it.
There are a lot of these apps floating around now. The toughest part will be choosing which one. My choice was a little easier because I received an email from the point person at Missio Nexus who recommended Wispr Flow. I’ve known Ted Esler since the mid-90s, and his ability to size up a market and make a buying decision is second to none. I started by analyzing the one he recommended, then one by one worked my way through the entire rest of the market. Honestly (and with no benefit from affiliate marketing whatsoever), my conclusion was the same as his: Wispr Flow is at the front of the pack.
There are apps for both Apple and Windows, as well as iOS, and there is an Android version under development that should be ready soon. Basically, you just hold down a key and start talking. It’s that simple. There’s no training period like we used to have to do back in the 90s. There’s very little disappointment. This thing just flies. It’s a real spoiler. You’ll pay a few dollars per month, but surprisingly little for what you get back. There’s a free plan that gives you 2,000 words per week, but let’s face it – you will want it for a lot more than 2,000 words. The pro plan is unlimited words for $12 a month billed annually ($15 a month billed monthly). You kind of have to experience this stuff to believe it, so I heartily suggest you give it a try. Remember the computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey? The computer had a famous response: “I’m sorry, Dave. I just can’t do that.” Well, welcome to 2001. Except this time, you can finally tame your computer.
To get started, just go to WisprFlow.AI. Remember – there was no affiliate marketing from Ted, and there’s none from us here. Just “one beggar telling another where to find bread.” If you have to type, you’re going to like this. This is a cool tool for sure. (Oh, and in case you were wondering, yes – I spoke this entire item via Wispr Flow. Thanks Ted.)
Voice dictation has been native in the on the iPhone for the past couple of years. I use it every day — no need to buy a special app to do it. You can do voice dictation into the Notes app. You can do voice dictation into the Voice Memos app. Any kind of texting and messaging as well. All options provide for a voice to text, which is fabulous.
Hi Michael. You’ll see the difference if you try the app. Using Ai, it’s a whole new world. For example, on iphone voice dictation, if you say, “Let’s meet at 11am; well actually, 10,” the native dictation will record it exactly as you said it. If you’re using Wispr Flow, it will record, “Let’s meet at 10am.” It’s just worlds more accurate.