I recently broke my wrist and would like to use dictation, but i cannot find it on my macbook. I have OSX 10.7.5 and when i hit update it tells me there are none. Should i have dictation on my computer? thanks, it's exhausting to type otherwise.
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.2)
The built-in speech recognition of Mac OS X 10.7.5 is very limited under Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Speech. It will launch programs, and will switch between programs, do forward & next website via voice and other commands, but it is not a complete dictation solution. Depending on the age of your MacBook Pro, you can get more enhanced dictation with Mac OS X 10.8 or later under the Dictation and Speech control panel. To see if you are compatible with 10.8 or later, read this tip:
Mountain Lion 10.8 Updating requirements
10.8 and 10.9 are no longer available directly from the Apple Store, although if you find your applications are only compatible with either, you may be able to communicate with App Store support to allow you to download one of them, if you are compatible.
If you can't upgrade to 10.8 or later, there are Apps such as:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agile-dictate-audio-file-transcription/id1003171 017?mt=12
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-browser/id526979711?mt=12
And Nuance did at one point offer an older version of Dictate for 10.7, you'll have to ask them which version it was, and if it is possible to still buy:
http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-mac/software/index.h tm
Some Apple usergroups may also also have members who have older software available:
The built-in speech recognition of Mac OS X 10.7.5 is very limited under Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Speech. It will launch programs, and will switch between programs, do forward & next website via voice and other commands, but it is not a complete dictation solution. Depending on the age of your MacBook Pro, you can get more enhanced dictation with Mac OS X 10.8 or later under the Dictation and Speech control panel. To see if you are compatible with 10.8 or later, read this tip:
Mountain Lion 10.8 Updating requirements
10.8 and 10.9 are no longer available directly from the Apple Store, although if you find your applications are only compatible with either, you may be able to communicate with App Store support to allow you to download one of them, if you are compatible.
If you can't upgrade to 10.8 or later, there are Apps such as:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agile-dictate-audio-file-transcription/id1003171 017?mt=12
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voice-browser/id526979711?mt=12
And Nuance did at one point offer an older version of Dictate for 10.7, you'll have to ask them which version it was, and if it is possible to still buy:
http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-mac/software/index.h tm
Some Apple usergroups may also also have members who have older software available:
Dear a brody: Thank you so much. This is extremely helpful and informative. Should I have gotten a free download of Mac OS X 10.8 or later? According to the tip, my computer should be compatible and I regularly check for updates.
I will follow all your suggestions.
Thanks again for this fantastic assistance.
Should i have dictation on my macbook?
