Code hints at native voice dictation in OS X Mountain Lion
updated 04:20 pm EDT, Wed May 23, 2012
Would carry over feature from iPhone 4S, third-gen iPad
Apple could be hoping to bring iOS' Dictation feature to OS X, a code string in the current preview of Mountain Lion suggests. Within the preview's build of Safari, a resource file mentions using a Command-Command hotkey to "Start Dictation." While the option isn't yet functional, it could be by the time Mountain Lion ships, or alternately in a later Safari update.
Merging iOS features into OS X is a major focus of Mountain Lion; signature elements like Reminders and the Notification Center are already being promoted by Apple. Native dictation is so far only available to iPhone 4S and third-generation iPad owners, but should be relatively easy to port to OS X, since the only obstacles are processor power and access to Apple servers. Recorded voice is sent to the servers for translation, and the results are delivered back.
