6 tools for voice typing online and offline

1. Google Docs text editor

• Platforms: web.

Many Google Docs users don't even know that this service supports dictation. True, the function only works in the Google Chrome desktop browser. To enable it, click "Tools" and select "Voice Input". A microphone icon will appear on the screen. Click on it when you're ready to dictate.

Google Docs recognizes punctuation marks. So if you say "period", "comma", "exclamation mark" or "question mark", the service will add the corresponding symbol.

In addition, Google Docs supports voice commands for formatting, highlighting, and navigating text. But so far only two can be used in Russian: "new line" and "new paragraph". The rest of the commands are available only in English. Their full list can be found in help Google Docs.

The recognition accuracy of the service is good, which cannot be said about the speed: sometimes the text is displayed with a delay. In addition, after the dots, the algorithm often inserts lowercase letters instead of uppercase letters, or adds the letter "k" out of place.

Google Docs →

2. Dictation on Apple devices

• Platforms: macOS, iOS.

Apple has built voice input functionality into its operating systems. Therefore, iPhone, Mac and iPad owners can use dictation without additional software. What's especially nice is that the technology copes well with the Russian language. The developers also took care of punctuation marks. On iPhone 6S and newer devices, voice input works without internet.

To use dictation in iOS, simply tap the microphone icon on the standard keyboard.

On macOS, voice input must first be activated. To do this, open the Apple menu (apple icon) and select "System Preferences" → "Keyboard" → "Dictation". Select the Enabled checkbox and select a key to switch to voice input mode. With it, you can enable dictation in any program that supports text input.

3. GBoard keyboard

• Platforms: Android, iOS.

The GBoard app is another Google product that uses voice input technology. With this keyboard, you can dictate text in most mobile programs. To switch to voice dialing, just press the microphone button on it.

GBoard works well on Android, even without a network connection. Quickly and fairly accurately recognizes words and places punctuation marks. But on iOS, voice input is only available online and often refuses to accept Russian speech. I would like to believe that the problem is temporary and the developers will fix it in future updates.

4. Yandex. Keyboard

• Platforms: Android, iOS.

Yandex specialists have been working on Russian speech recognition for a long time and have done quite well in this area. Unsurprisingly, their keyboard does a great job of voice typing. The application is relatively accurate and fast in recognizing text, although it requires a connection to internet.

Yandex. Keyboard ”works in most Android and iOS applications. But the behavior of the program on these platforms is slightly different. So, the Android version does not recognize punctuation marks by ear, as it happens in iOS, but places them on its own. The idea is good, but in fact, the algorithm often skips commas and question marks.

To turn on dictation mode in Android, unfold the keyboard and hold down the touch on the microphone icon. On iOS, you need to hold down the space bar for this.

5. SpeechPad Voice Notebook

• Platforms: web, Android, iOS.

SpeechPad uses Google's speech recognition technology. Works quickly, understands punctuation marks. Conversion accuracy is no worse than Google Docs. Mobile versions also support offline dictation. Text converted to SpeechPad can be easily copied and pasted on any site or in any program.

SpeechPad is available for free on all platforms listed. But the iOS app shows ads, which can be turned off for $ 2.99 A premium version is also available for Android with additional features like Bluetooth microphone support and dark mode. Its cost is 149 rubles.

The web version of SpeechPad only works in the Chrome browser. The project's website also contains instructions for integrating the service with Windows, macOS and Linux for speech recognition in computer programs. But our SpeechPad did not work outside Chrome.

SpeechPad web version →

6. VOCO

• Platforms: Windows.

A program developed by the Russian company "CRT". VOCO works offline and has good speech recognition. With its help, you can dictate text in any installed applications, including Word and browsers. To enable voice input, just press Ctrl twice.

VOCO recognizes punctuation marks, can arrange them automatically and make paragraphs. If necessary, you can view the list of supported voice commands at any time.

For the normal functioning of the program, the developer recommends 4 GB of RAM. VOCO significantly loads the system, so it may not be suitable for weak computers.

The program is paid. The basic version costs 1,867 rubles and includes everything updates, which will be released within a year. If you want it to be updated further, you need to subscribe to the cost of 559 rubles per year.

In addition, the more expensive VOCO versions are available: Professional and Enterprise. The first one recognizes more words from professional vocabulary and is sold for 15,500 rubles, complete with the Jabra UC Voice 550 Duo headset. Enterprise also contains professional dictionaries, but instead of a typeface, the buyer gets a multi-user license for their company.

You can download VOCO for free from the official website and test all its features before purchasing.

Try VOCO →