Dragon NaturallySpeaking v10 Upgrade Recommendations

Dragon NaturallySpeaking v10 Evaluation of Enhancements

1. More Accurate Than Ever
Unrivaled desktop speech recognition accuracy; up to 20% more accurate than Version 9.

OUR FINDINGS: We found it virtually impossible to confirm accuracy improvement. In order to identify accuracy improvement, for practical purposes, we would have to claim 100% accuracy which would not be realistic from a usability perspective. Typically when there is a misrecognition (the measurement for determining accuracy) it is due to one of two things; 1) unclear articulation, or 2) the spoken word is not currently in the vocabulary, which means it cannot be understood. Though the software may be capable, the human interaction makes it unlikely.

2. Faster Than Ever
Significant improvement of response time; more than 50% reduction in the time it takes for words to appear

OUR FINDINGS: We actually noticed a decrease in response time utilizing the default settings. Modifying default settings we were able to achieve comparable response times. Response time or the lag between when the words are spoken and when they appear on the screen typically is due to insufficient resources (processor speed, memory, multiple applications opened at the same time etc.).

3. Quick Voice Formatting ("Delete | Copy | Bold | Underline | Italicize " commands)
New direct commands for formatting, deleting, and copying words and passages

OUR FINDINGS: For individuals who are utilizing speech recognition software for increased productivity purposes, this new enhancement is not relevant. Formatting by voice is not recommended for new users or for users whose primary purpose for speech recognition software is productivity. Utilizing voice commands for formatting dramatically increases the learning curve and risk of frustration and abandonment.

4. New UI Look and Feel
Updated icons are intuitive and easy to see
Dragon 10 introduces new graphical icons to enhance the DragonBar user interface, including a larger microphone icon, making the product easier to use.

OUR FINDINGS: It is not relative to the functionality or ease of use.

5. Improved Help System and Tutorials
Includes enhanced Sample Commands window and interactive HTML tutorial with a completely new look and feel

OUR FINDINGS: The Achieve Results training methodology has not utilized these features in the past and will not be including them in our curriculum for v10.

6. Improved Natural Commands for Mozilla Firefox
Improved Web browser experience is now available for Firefox

OUR FINDINGS: The Achieve Results training methodology has not utilized natural language commands or recommended speech recognition for web browsing in the past and will not be including them in our curriculum for v10.

7. More Flexible Enrollment for younger speakers and users with certain speech challenges
Self-paced reading is available for speakers who have difficulty with the existing interactive text passages

OUR FINDINGS: The primary clientele of Achieve Results are not typically young adults, so this enhancement is not relative to the functionality or ease of use.

8. Regional Accent Support
Significant increase in accuracy for accented speakers by using more advanced adaptation techniques and accent-specific models.

OUR FINDINGS: Potential Value in unique situations. As a rule, accuracy due to what is referred to as a "accent" is not relevant.

9. Option to Disable Microsoft Text Services (CTFMon)
Easily turn off Alternative User Input Text Input Processor (CTFMon) to eliminate potential conflicts with Dragon

OUR FINDINGS: This Is Nice! In earlier versions of the software this was a technical fix that was dealt with on an individual basis. This feature will prevent the intermittent, unexplainable technical frustrations dealt with by some users.

10. Better control of commands vs. dictation on the Web
Require "Click" for hyperlinks and disable Web commands separately from dictation support

OUR FINDINGS: The Achieve Results training methodology has not recommended speech recognition for web browsing in the past and will not be including them in our curriculum for v10.

11. Auto Configuration for Optimal Performance Based on System Profile
Latency configuration on "slow" machines and per-application disabling of Natural Language commands. Installation automatically detects PC's resources and adjusts options for optimal speed.

OUR FINDINGS: This enhancement offers no benefit if recommended hardware requirements are met.

12. Formatting and Word Properties Interface Enhancements
New Formatting dialog and Word Properties let you control the written forms more finely than ever, including alternate forms, spacing and capitalization before and after each item.

OUR FINDINGS: This enhancement offers greater control over automatic formatting. The understanding of this feature would increase the learning curve, but is not necessary in order to use the software efficiently.

13. Embedded Data Collection Tool
Data Collection engine embedded in the product
A New User Wizard screen invites users to participate in a program designed to collect data to improve the overall accuracy of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. The option is off by default.

OUR FINDINGS: Our testing has showed that this enhancement does not offer any overall accuracy improvement.