Windows 10: Microphones for Speech to Text and Dictation.

Microsoft recommends an array mic. Does anybody have any experience with these? Have a source?

I do not want to use a headset and the array mic, or something like it, has a strong appeal.

After going through the first and second Windows voice training I attempted to dictate some text using my digital desk mic extremely close to my lips.

It did not work well in LibreOffice. It worked a little better, but not by much, in Notepad.

At this point I cannot sort out if the lack of dictation accuracy stems from a basic USB mic or the software.

Given this I am starting to look at other apps.

Any thoughta on the mic or apps will be greatly appreciated.

PS. I should have added that I do not want to use an on-line tool or any of the variations that run under Chrome (because of the ads).

Also, for any software that I purchase in the $100 or up class i want to be able to easily contact the provider by phone. I am not adverse to purchasing a good condenser boom mic if that is what it takes to make an app run accurately

:)

 

Dictation not working.

Hello Lina,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please provide some additional information, so that we can assist you better.

1. Are you using dictation in Windows or Office application?
   
2. Since when are you facing this issue?
   
3. Did you make any changes to the computer before this issue started?
   

I suggest you to follow the below mentioned steps:

Step 1: To dictate text:

1. Open Speech Recognition by clicking the Start button, clicking All Programs, clicking Accessories, clicking Ease of Access, and then clicking Windows Speech Recognition.

2. Say "start listening" or click the Microphone button to start the listening mode.

3. Open the program you want to use or select the text box you want to dictate text into.

4. Say the text that you want dictate.

Step 2: You may refer Microsoft article related to Dictating text:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4042244/windows-10-use-dictation

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14198/windows-7-dictate-text-using-speech-recognition

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking "Yes or No.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

Speech to Text

Hello,
Thank you for guiding me in the right direction.

I attempted all of the 6 steps recommended above. Only issue was that for step 4, I could not access/did not have access to the "hardware and devices troubleshooter" for whatever reason. Even after a reset of the Surface, I am still unable to set-up the
speech recognition with the onboard microphone. The sound/audio works just fine for everything else though.

I have purchased an external microphone for use on other apps and this microphone will suffice for what I intended to accomplish. It has been set up for speech recognition and is working properly. I do have one related question that I have not researched
in depth: How do I use the speech recognition to perform speech-to-text, into a program such as Word or Scrivener? The best response I found was that I can use it to complete a sentence or two, but not continual speech-to-text similar to Dragon Dictate or
text messaging on some phones, etc. Can it be set up to perform this continual typing while speaking?

Thanks again,

Doug

 

Using Logitech headset with microphone to dictate speech to text.

First of all, I have never used Cortana, nor has it ever engaged with me. I recently tried reviving my Logitech headset with microphone to dictate speech to text. I do not find the model # of the headset. The first time I plugged the USB into my computer
tower, I was able to instantly speak and the computer wrote what I said. I did not have to activate nor adjust any settings. The next day, Cortana started and I wasn't able to dictate using the headset. Eventually, I was able to "disable/ disengage/ turn off"
Cortana. I am unable to speak to dictate now. I do not have the software anymore for the headset. The software has never been installed on this computer, yet the headset worked well for a day. Any help were be appreciated. A stroke has left me with limited
dexterity.