Mavericks Feature: Dictation - Hands Free Typing
What if I told you that I’m typing this sentence using nothing but my voice? Well, I’m actually using my voice and the handy new dictation feature that comes with the Mavericks operating system. With the many amazing new features that Mavericks offers, its easy to over look some of the less showy improvements. Dictation and Enhanced Dictation are two truly remarkable innovations that will change the way you type.
To start using dictation, first make sure that it is enabled. Open “System Preferences”, click “Dictation & Speech”, then click “On” under dictation if it isn't already. Turning on dictation will allow you to place your curser in any text field, press the function key twice, and begin speaking. The more that you use dictation the more it learns your accent and voice fluctuations, increasing its accuracy. Not only does dictation transcribe the words you’re speaking, but you can also say commands such as, “comma”, “period”, “exclamation point”, or “paragraph break” to add punctuation and formatting. Once you used dictation to capture your thought, you can also use it to edit any mistakes or make changes.
There’s no doubt that dictation is a great tool, but it only works if you’re connected to WiFi. However, you can download Enhanced Dictation at no charge. Not only does Enhanced Dictation allow you to use the feature whether you are connected to the internet or not, but unlike regular dictation, you can use it for longer than 30 seconds at a time. In addition, Enhanced Dictation shows you the text as you speak and automatically stops listening when you click to a different window. To download Enhanced Dictation, open “System Preferences”, click “Dictation & Speech” then check the box next to “Use Enhanced Dictation”. Enabling Enhanced Dictation should cause the program to begin downloading, but if it doesn’t pressing the function key twice should prompt the download.
Dictation is just another example of how Apple is constantly making our lives a bit easier. With the intuitiveness and simplicity that dictations offers users, it truly is a Mavericks hidden gem. For help on getting dictation working on your computer and for all of your Apple needs, contact us at support@cranstonit.com.
There’s no doubt that dictation is a great tool, but it only works if you’re connected to WiFi. However, you can download Enhanced Dictation at no charge. Not only does Enhanced Dictation allow you to use the feature whether you are connected to the internet or not, but unlike regular dictation, you can use it for longer than 30 seconds at a time. In addition, Enhanced Dictation shows you the text as you speak and automatically stops listening when you click to a different window. To download Enhanced Dictation, open “System Preferences”, click “Dictation & Speech” then check the box next to “Use Enhanced Dictation”. Enabling Enhanced Dictation should cause the program to begin downloading, but if it doesn’t pressing the function key twice should prompt the download.
Dictation is just another example of how Apple is constantly making our lives a bit easier. With the intuitiveness and simplicity that dictations offers users, it truly is a Mavericks hidden gem. For help on getting dictation working on your computer and for all of your Apple needs, contact us at support@cranstonit.com.