Recent releases of OS X have a dictation feature for entering text, which is activated by pressing the fn key twice (once more to cancel). By default this feature relies on a network connection, and sends speech data to Apple’s servers for processing, but this can be turned off by selecting “enhanced dictation” so that the processing is done locally. The settings for this can be accessed using System Preferences, under the heading “Dictation & Speech”.
Note that it doesn’t have the editing features of Dragon Dictate, or the Dragon for Mac.
Commands for dictating text on Mac
Apple’s IOS devices (iPhone, iPad) can also be operated using dictation. There is a microphone icon on the bottom left of the keyboard press it and you can enter text via speech. Like that on the iPad the microphone is at the top of the device, so it may be easier to operate with the iPad inverted. Note that because the processing is always done on Apple servers, the microphone icon will only appear if you have a network connection.
There be Dragons
Dragon for Mac is available from the UIS, it isn’t in their catalogue so you will need to ask for a quote if you wish to buy it. Another interesting product, is Dragon Anywhere, which allows you to use Dragon text input and editing on mobile devices and desktops. It also shares your documents, speech training, and vocabulary between devices. Unfortunately, Dragon Anywhere is a subscription service, so it may be more difficult to purchase a subscription for university members.
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