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

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 iPhone

Dictate on iPad

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.

Dictate Setup

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.

Dictate Subscription Options

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.




Felicia (aka Low Tech Grandma) is a wife, mother, grandmother, freelance writer and low tech blogger.

Last Modified: 3 September 2023

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