This blog entry was dictated using windows speech recognition.  This entire blog entry was dictated using windows speech recognition.  The implications of this concept are saying really mind blowing. I have to say however, that the implementation doesn't match the implication.  That last sentence was originally dictated as "I have to say, for the invitation doesn't match the locations"  It is certainly very cool, but I'm pretty sure I could type it faster than I'm speaking right now.  Actually, I am completely sure that I could have typed this faster.  The problem with Windows Speech Recognition at this point in time seems to be that I simply haven't been through the voice training fully.  However, when I have my speech slowed down to a point where I am talking very deliberately and clearly, then it mostly seems to work.

Microsoft have just released a program called Windows Speech Recognition Macros (WSR Macros). This builds upon the windows speech recognition system supplied with Vista and allows you to programmatically control Windows.  The concept is fantastic, but even though I have been through the entire training program, I find that I could have typed this faster.  The problem seems to be that rate of recognition for many of the words I speak is hampered by something.  I think it may possibly be the level of the built in microphone on my laptop.  I have been tweaking the volume all throughout the duration of time it has taken me to write this post, but so far I still find it very inaccurate.  Some sentences are very well recognised and quick to dictate, but some are seriously slow.  There also seems to be a lot of crossover between dictating and using the system commands (e.g.: Dictating the word "delete" causes this application to the try to delete an existing post).

There is hope, however.  It is very possible that if I were to use an external microphone that the rate of correct word recognition would be greatly increased.  I do have an external Logitech USB headset around here somewhere that I could use for this very purpose, and as soon as I find it I'll give it a try.  Interesting stuff however, with a lot of potential. If I can sort out the accuracy then there's a good chance I would use this a lot more.