Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Looking for substitute for the old Dragon Dictate that will run on Apple Silicon

I am running a 2019, Intel-based MacBook Pro, 16 inch screen. This one has the touch bar. The battery is starting to lose its capacity. Furthermore, these machines have a problem with very loud cooling fans that seem to be easily triggered, and this has been a royal pain over the past few years, creating unwanted noises during live streaming and video calls. So I am considering replacing it and upgrading to a newer model.

Problem: I am heavily dependent upon dictation software to manage my workload in my office. I have been hobbling along using the old Dragon Dictate for Mac from Nuance. It hasn't been updated in something like five or six years since Nuance abandoned the Mac platform. It is glitchy at times but still, remarkably, runs well enough even under Ventura to still be useful at the office.

Should I, however, upgrade to a new MacBook Pro running an Apple silicon chip, I am out of luck. Apple silicon breaks Dragon Dictate for good. The built-in dictation in Mac OS is simply not robust enough to get real work done. The same thing goes for the dictation functionality built into Microsoft office for Mac applications.

I can run Dragon NaturallySpeaking for the PC under Parallels Desktop, but it makes the fans on the MacBook Pro go bonkers. And I'm not even sure that Parallels Desktop runs on Apple silicon (does it)?

I have taken a look at the open-source project called Talon. I've installed it and have started messing with it a bit, because it would run on one of the new laptops. So far, it is rather difficult to get running properly.

Has anybody with one of the new MacBook Pros found a speech to text solution that is robust and reliable? The lack of first rate dictation software on Mac OS really frustrates me. I've even considered buying a cheap Windows laptop for work just to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

Eager for your thoughts… Thank you!!!

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Feb 23, 2023 1:22 PM

Reply

Similar questions

4 replies
Sort By: 

Feb 25, 2023 11:17 AM in response to rebbi

Yeah I agree that Voice Control on macos is not at all close to Dragon Dictate.


If the fan speed is your major concern, and you're not needing a faster computer, have you tried a fan control software, so you can I just the fan speed manually?


https://www.switchingtomac.com/macos/5-best-tools-to-control-the-fans-on-your-mac/


I've used Macs Fan Control in the past and it's free and works flawless.




Reply

Feb 25, 2023 1:52 PM in response to CodackDesigns

Thanks a lot for this suggestion. I have been using Turbo Boost Switcher for a while, but it’s only somewhat effective. I may try one of these other solutions. I have heard that these fan controllers can be dangerous because dialing back the fans might cause the chips to overheat, but I will take a look. Thanks a lot. It’s not a solution to the lack of a decent speech recognition solution for macOS, but at least it might prolong the usable life of my laptop for a while.

Reply

Feb 25, 2023 2:31 PM in response to rebbi

Yeah you welcome.


The good thing about Macs Fan Control is that you can set a parameter that when the CPU gets to a certain temperature it will trigger the fans to kick in so that it doesn't overheat.

Definitely check it out!


And thanks for mentioning Talon, I haven't heard about it so I'm gonna look into that 👍

Reply

Feb 27, 2023 8:21 AM in response to rebbi

If it is any help the inbuilt Voice control has much improved on my Mac Book Pro M1 chip device - an improvement on my older intel device. Full disclosure however I am not what you would call a "power user" so I may be just lucky with my dictation when I use it.


There is a product TalkType which I have seen. I cannot say if it is any good and I noted the pricing model may not suit the average user, but if you are looking for a solution it might be worth a trial. I have no connection with the company.

Reply

Looking for substitute for the old Dragon Dictate that will run on Apple Silicon

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.