Author Topic: Considering iListen... (Read 5367 times)

Mayo · « **on:** December 09, 2007, 01:41:57 PM »

I'm considering giving iListen a go... I understand that Dragon Naturally Speaking is probably a better product, and I do have an unused copy of Windows XP that came with Virtual PC, but I would prefer to stick with the Mac OS because my writing apps are Apple-specific, natch... And I get the impression from the reviews I have read that iListen is catching-up to Dragon.

Sandbox and RHP Consult, would you indulge me?

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2007, 02:57:07 PM »

I've still got a retail box that their rep left for our MUG over a year ago. I have no need for it and few, if any, of our members do, either. It's pretty much a real niche product. The rep was amazing in his demo, but he had the app very well trained, of course. That appears to be the biggest bottleneck with these kinds of apps. They have to be able to recognize not only words, but inflections and rhythms. As I understand it, iListen has also started selling specialized dictionaries that should help speed up the process for doctors, lawyers, scientists, mac fanatics, etc. Dragon probably does the same.

The biggest problem I can see (with my extremely limited experience!) with these kinds of programs is that they are actually 'dictation takers' in software form. The user must usually specifically identify sentence endings, especially if the punctuation is not a simple period. Hyphenation is usually a direct verbal command. Paragraph marking is similarly command driven.

But unlike 'human' secretaries, the user can usually make use of any particular programs menu items and capabilities. So they have many skills a human secretary might not have, assuming the user is experienced with whatever program the text will be inserted in. The speaker will still need to be consistent and comply with the apps method of 'talking/listening'. Not sure anyone ever speaks the way one would when using these apps, even if using a secretary!

FLASH1296 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2007, 06:16:03 PM »

There is a rather harsh, but perfectly pragmatic, reality that is noteworthy:

The idea of Speech Recognition is an appealing one. It has never caught on. There is a good reason for that.
Buying Speech Recognition software (and the requisite High Quality microphone) is like joining a Health Club.
Millions do it every year; but the vast majority rarely if ever go.
The training is tedious. It would be worthwhile, but the accuracy rate for most people is not up to expectations.
============================================================================
iListen was just updated to version 1.8

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/23942/ilisten

DESCRIPTION Purchase the iListen MacUpdate Promo and get one of the best speech recognition and dictation solutions, along with top-of-the-line headphones, and ScriptPaks that give you command functionality for a number of popular applications like Microsoft Word, Apple Mail, Apple iWork suite and TopXNotes. The software and headset will be shipped to you in a physical package. This is not a downloadable promo. Shipping prices are quoted live on the purchase page. Shipping is free in the USA. iListen: talk anywhere into hundreds of applications - virtually anywhere you would normally type! iListen offers fast dictation plus full command and more...control, freeing you from the keyboard and mouse. iListen also supports text macros for frequently typed phrases.

Universal Binary
Continuous Speech Recognition - Dictation in normal tone of voice and at a normal pace.
Direct Dictation - Dictate, edit and format text directly in any application
Hands-Free Correction - Correct using your voice, no need to use the keyboard or mouse!
Adapts to your Speech - iListen adapts to your pronunciation of words faster and more accurately!
Multiple Profiles - Everyone in your home can create their own voice profile, so now everyone can use it!
Speech Navigation - Open, close and control applications and navigate the desktop by speech.
AppleScript Compatible - Ability to take advantage of Apple's built-in scripting language.
Internet Ready - Surf the web with your voice.
Transcription - An optional add-on. Use a Digital Voice Recorder such as the Olympus DM-1, DS-330, or DS-2000 with your Mac. Let iListen read and transcribe your AIFF or WAV audio files into text.

WHAT'S NEW:

Version 1.8 includes new commands to support the new TextEdit and Finder in Mac OS X 10.5, and Safari 3. In addition, significant enhancements to the Voice Launcher, a few of which are Leopard-only, and to the Web Favorites command sets are included in version 1.8. The iListen 1.8 update is also a maintenance release that fixes reported issues and adds other refinements to the Mac speech recognition solution.

Note: iLife 1.8 works with Apple's "Pages" too.

Mayo · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2007, 06:33:44 PM »

I did a lot of dictation at one point in my life, but it was so long ago that I do not recall how I felt about doing it, except I Really Enjoyed having someone else type all my work. I will have to decide if my style of thinking and writing lends itself to dictation. I have no love for typing and I would put up with a few idiosyncrasies if I could avoid most typing.

george · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2007, 07:29:32 AM »

i think Dick (RHP) has just taken delivery of said piece iListen soft/hardware so no doubt he will be along shortly
George.

RNKIII · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2007, 08:31:53 AM »

I believe that RHP is off to the Sandwich Isles today (12/10) for some 'business' purposes

.... so he may not respond as quickly..

Bob K. rnkiii

sandbox · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2007, 09:51:04 AM »

Mayo, let me start by saying that this is not a plug and play program, you need to put your time in to get accurate text out.

This is a MacSpeech support resource engine, just ask away.

For example:
If you use MS office-Word, as I do, be sure to turn OFF the automation options.

http://www.macspeech.com/support/index.php...amp;article=113

Most of your questions will be answered here.
------------
Accurate audio files depend on quality input, quality input relies on a quality Mic/Headset.

Acquiring a headset that is accurate and comfortable is key to this program.
The specific Mic/headsets come with filters, there is no way to skimp on this acquisition.

The program requires hours of training, so if a person is not enthusiastically committed to the idea of talking to their Mac through the acquisition of the best headset or hours of vocal training, disappointment in the program will prevail. I had fun with it so it was easy for me.

What I have discovered is that most often, only the folks that have little choice in the matter use Voice Recognition software regularly. I find it's use most frequently in medical doctors offices, and then attorneys tend to use the mobile aspect of it, with a handheld recorder. I've had clients that were unable to use their hands, that found this program to be the best thing since sliced bread, others with less dependency find it frustrating. To me, I would like to see everyone understand it's functions so if the time comes when they break a hand or are unable to use a keyboard they could swing right into the pre-trained program.

If you train the program well you can use many audio file sources, I used to use files from my PDA when I had forgotten to carry a recorder along. They weren't quality audio files but the program was trained and accustom to my voice and vocabulary.

I use version 1.6.8 on Panther and find no reason to upgrade at this time.

Mayo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2007, 01:09:33 PM »

What got me thinking seriously about this subject was when I read that David Pogue does all his "writing" using Dragon. About ten years ago David developed a particularly serious form of carpal tunnel syndrome and his doc advised him to give up typing (which is how he feeds his family...) and playing the piano (which gives him much pleasure...).

I'm going to wait and see how iListen works for Dick. I'm sure that he will put it through its paces and be able to provide additional insight... And thanks SB for you Two Cents!

sandbox · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2007, 11:52:07 PM »

pogue on Dragon 2006 http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/20/technolo...amp;oref=slogin

pogue on Vista 2007 http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/...ter-what-to-do/

IBM ViaVoice http://www.nuance.com/viavoice/osx/

If you do the work the program will delight you.

QUOTE

Norman Rubenstein · September 04, 2006 - 04:46 EST #10
I'm a retired attorney and judge who was normally required to use PC's at work, and had used both Dragon and Via Voice (Mac and PC) and who now uses Macs exclusively. Due to recent medical disability I've had to seriously re-examine such software as more of a necessity than an afterthought, and decided to upgrade the iListen software I had originally purchased and set aside a few years ago. The earlier version, I had thought, had not been overly impressive in accuracy, though the program design showed promise - and it now appeared that the developers had claimed to have made substantial improvements in the area of accuracy.

I can state that over the past few weeks, the Support staff at MacSpeech has been tremendously helpful and responsive, even to the extent of responding to an emailed support request I made just late this past holiday Sunday afternoon in less than 2 hours, which was most unexpected, and which solved a huge problem for me.

I further find Chuck Rogers (whom I do not know and have never had the pleasure of meeting) to be a breath of fresh air in the business world. I am able to see and notice the palpable, impressive progress the company has already made in their product between version 1.6 and 1.7 - bearing in mind all the Platform/rewriting work and changes that have been required by Apple just to keep pace. Their obvious enthusiasm and determination give me sufficient confidence that they will continue to advance and improve their product and to continue real R&D work on iListen such that I chose to pick iListen as my solution rather than attempting to cobble Dragon through Boot Camp/Parallels, etc. Of course, each person must come to their own decision in that regard.

Just FYI, I have been using the Program on a Dual 2.0Ghz G5 Power Mac with 4.5 GB of ram and, with finishing merely the initial training, was getting around 94% accuracy. However, I am just re-loading the program onto a newly obtained Mac Pro 3.0Ghz, and am hopeful that the extra power, combined with some extra patience and care in training, will pay off in even higher accuracy for the Universal program.

Best regards,

Norm

http://www.atpm.com/12.09/ilisten.shtml

krissel · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2007, 10:15:43 PM »

Am watching this discussion with the idea of having my Mom use it. Her arthritis has made typing very difficult. A new Mac would be needed though since none they have are powerful enough.

So keep posting if you have new info.

krissel · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2007, 12:06:57 AM »

Regarding the built-in voice recognition in Vista:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLqUf4cdwc...ted&search=

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2007, 10:24:57 AM »

QUOTE

"Pretty amazing!"

What more can be said?!

And I thought learning PERL would be hard! I guess it would be using that set up!

sandbox · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2007, 02:11:39 PM »

Kris, the video was to make a point.
From my perspective he hadn't trained the software to recognize his voice, his vocabulary, nor was he trying to demonstrate what the program could do.
Quite the opposite, he was trying to demonstrate that the program could fail. His quick and inconsistent speech, tone, and Remarks, made it appear worse than it was.

The program didn't fail he failed. I'm sure David Pogue doesn't go through that process to get his NYT article out each week, nor do I have anywhere near that much editing to do. I try to speak clearly and I edit at the end. Editing takes about 15 seconds per 100 words. Writing the texts with iListen takes less than half the time it does to type it. Time Saved +++

The Vista platform is no different than any other where Voice is concerned.

krissel · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2007, 07:35:51 PM »

Oh, I know. I was laughing at what an idiot he was for mumbling after each command which was picked up and translated.

I got to thinking that maybe all those funny foreign instructions on packages in incomprehensible English were made using one of these dictation programs.

sandbox · « **Reply #14 on:** December 13, 2007, 11:03:27 PM »

QUOTE(krissel @ Dec 13 2007, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh, I know. I was laughing at what an idiot he was for mumbling after each command which was picked up and translated.

I got to thinking that maybe all those funny foreign instructions on packages in incomprehensible English were made using one of these dictation programs.

I figured as much. I wanted to be clear that with the proper training the program, (Vista uses ViaVoice I think) could work seamlessly.

For seniors, I just tell them to speak normally, (forget about Punctuation) and just let your words flow. This helps for a number of reasons that I'm sure you can imagine. After the session, which will take less than 25% of the time it takes to type, they can use that time to edit and punctuate. The program learns faster when it's not stopped and started with punctuations and tone alterations. After a while, when the program knows you better, you can add more Inconsistencies into the Flow......

News:

Author Topic: Considering iListen... (Read 5367 times)