Dragon Dictate 2.5 gains auto-formatting, iOS mic support
updated 01:00 pm EDT, Mon July 25, 2011
Supports Word 2011 commands
Nuance has launched Dragon Dictate 2.5, an intermediate but significant update to the company's voice recognition software. Users can not only dictate text on a Mac but issue commands, such as launching an app or jumping to a particular website. One of the options introduced by v2.5 is the ability to make quick status updates on Facebook or Twitter, for instance by speaking "post to Facebook" and then the message.
A more significant addition may be auto-formatting, which allows precise control over how certain data is translated. A date can be automatically set to read "July 25th, 2011" instead of "07/25/11" for example, and spacing after a period can be set to single or double. A related option is Numbers Mode, which will restrict Dictate's understanding to either numbers or commands.
The software now also supports Nuance's Remote Microphone app, which simply lets any mic-equipped iOS device communicate with Nuance desktop software. Microphones in general can be given a custom Auto Sleep window between 30 seconds and five minutes. Microsoft Office users have meanwhile gained the ability to issue commands in Word 2011 for Mac, such as table insertion or text formatting.
The v2.5 patch is free for existing v2.x users. A virgin download costs $180, but buyers also have the option of a boxed copy for $200. Including a Bluetooth headset raises the price to $300.
