Mac Speech Recognition: A Review of Its Features and Limitations

The latest version of Mac's speech recognition feature has introduced some exciting new features, but it also comes with its fair share of limitations. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Mac speech recognition and how they compare to other speech recognition apps.

One of the most significant issues with Mac's speech recognition is the lack of automatic formatting when dictating text. For instance, when using the command 'open quotes,' a space is not automatically inserted after the last word dictated, resulting in incorrect formatting. This can be frustrating for users who have to spend extra time editing and inserting spaces.

Another limitation of Mac's speech recognition is its tendency to misquote certain words or phrases. For example, dictating the word 'will' often leads to capitalization of 'Will,' which can be confusing. Additionally, Voice Control may not always take into account the grammar of a sentence, leading to errors in punctuation and capitalization.

Despite these limitations, Mac's speech recognition feature is still a powerful tool for those with mobility or dexterity impairments. The fact that it works offline and allows users to dictate text rather than typing makes it an excellent option for individuals who rely on assistive technology.

One of the most significant advantages of Mac's speech recognition is its ability to import and export Vocabulary and Custom Commands in Accessibility settings. This feature allows users to transfer their custom vocabulary and commands built up over time to a new Mac, which can be a huge benefit for those who use Voice Control frequently.

Colin Hughes, a quadriplegic Apple user, has reported that Apple has added a valuable new feature to Voice Control in macOS Monterey 12.3. Although it is not listed in the release notes, this feature allows users to import and export Vocabulary and Custom Commands from a new drop-down menu. This is a significant improvement for those who rely on Voice Control.

In conclusion, while Mac's speech recognition feature has its limitations, it remains an excellent option for individuals with mobility or dexterity impairments. The ability to work offline and dictate text rather than typing makes it an essential tool for many users. With the recent addition of import and export features, Voice Control has become even more accessible and user-friendly.