Dragon NaturallySpeaking is the established leader in voice recognition software, and the latest version is better than ever. Nuance Communications claims that the software has an accuracy rate of up to 99 percent, which, let's face it, is more than most of us can say about our typing.

The package includes a noise-canceling headset, so it's ready to use out of the box. The program no longer requires a training period, although its initial accuracy rate is certainly better if you do take the time for training. Improved tutorials shorten the training process; the program will also learn more about your speech patterns as you use it. You can also have Dragon NaturallySpeaking scan your emails and any word processing documents that you've created. This will allow it to become more familiar with your speaking/writing style, as well as pick up any new words that it might not already know, such as names of people.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking works with most popular Windows programs, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook Express, Corel WordPerfect, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Thunderbird.

In addition to working directly with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, you can also dictate into many digital voice recorders and PDAs that can record in MP3 or WMA format, and later have Dragon NaturallySpeaking automatically transcribe the files for you.

On the rare occasions when the program does make a mistake, making a correction is easy. You can select the incorrect word with a voice command, replace it with a word you verbally select from a suggested list of corrections, or spell the word out loud; the software will make the correction. Once you install the software, you can do anything and everything without using the mouse or keyboard.

New features include support for some Nuance-approved Bluetooth wireless headsets, so you're now free to walk around while you dictate, instead of being tied to your computer.

The only real down side of Dragon NaturallySpeaking is that it's a bit of a power hog. You need a fast computer with plenty of RAM for best results, preferably one that exceeds the suggested minimum system requirements.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Preferred is the most accurate voice recognition software currently available.


Pros: Easy to use, works with most popular Windows applications, can automatically transcribe audio files
Cons: Requires a lot of processor power and RAM to run efficiently