Dictate App for Dictating and Transcribing

Published July 12, 2021

In my last post, I ended it with a sentence about Dragon NaturallySpeaking. In essence, the post was about my transition from a PC to an iPad. On my PC I used Dragon NaturallySpeaking as my dictation software. I've been using that for years so I know how to get it to do what I need it to do.

Unfortunately, Dragon is not compatible with iOS. So, I had to find something else to use for dictation. I'm pleased to say that I believe I found Dragon’s replacement in downloading the Dictate app, which is available in 15 languages.

Dictate’s Accuracy

What I like about Dictate is there’s no long and drawn-out training process. Similar to Google Docs, you just dictate and it transcribes. I’m impressed with the accuracy. considering I didn’t have to train it. Granted, I did have to correct the word ‘blog’ when it typed ‘block’, but the more I dictated, the more accurate it got (or maybe I made sure to pronounce the word blog better).

I used Dictate to write this post. It does not respond to Dragon commands such as “delete that” or “cap that”. It just transcribes everything you say. However, If I notice something that needs correcting, or I change my trend of thought, I stop recording, tap within the transcription screen to invoke the keyboard to make the necessary changes. If it’s a minor typo or error, I correct it during the editing process.

Once I’m done recording, I usually copy and paste the text into Google Docs for editing.

Dictate on iPhone

Dictate on iPad

Using Dictate for Recorded Transcription

Dictate also transcribes pre-recorded dictation. If you wish to transcribe files from your device, make sure they’re accessible via the Files app. To test Dictate’s transcription ability, I created a Voice Memo, copied it to a folder in the Files app, then opened it in Dictate. Dictate transcribed it effortlessly. Fortunately, Dictate files are saved in a location accessible to the Files app.

Setup

Within the setup screen, you can change the language, screen settings, storage location, and much more. I kept the defaults as I haven’t found a need to change them.

Subscription Cost

The app is not free, but I believe it’s well worth the investment. As you can see from the image below, I’m on the iOS subscription for $12.99 per year which renews in February of 2022.

Eventually, when I finally save enough dough to purchase a Mac, I’ll go for the iOS and Mac subscription.

Being a Dragon NaturallySpeaking user for many years (I’ve purchased several versions), I find the cost of Dictate to be a steal! Each version of Dragon costs in excess of $100. To get the new Dragon features, I had to buy the next version. Here, at $13 a year, I get all of the new features as they are implemented. No need to spend a fortune every couple of years to get the next upgrade.

If you're a writer and use the iOS/Mac operating system, I suggest giving this program a shot. I am not an affiliate but I am a satisfied customer.

NOTE: Dictate did a great job of transcribing my dictation, but the last sentence was transcribed as: “I am not an affiliate, but I’m a savage by the customer.” It’s not perfect, but when I read it aloud I realized what I had dictated. 😊

Update: This was my go-to dictation app before I discovered judt how to get around the 30-second dication silence limitation on the iPad.

Last Modified: 3 September 2023