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Is Dragon Dictation App a Viable Substitute for Siri?

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. | Last updated on

Thinking about installing Dragon Dictation onto your mobile device? First, the app is free. And the dictation software is relatively easy to use.

Now, when you compare it to Siri it doesn't have as many functions. For example, Dragon Dictation cannot search the web for you when prompted. It also cannot answer questions.

Though, as we recently found out Siri wasn't the best at handling legal queries.

The app can take dictation for you.

The app takes down what you dictate to it. You may be wondering how accurate it is. It's fairly accurate, according to my own cursory test. But it would probably be the best when you speak loudly and clearly. It's also important to note that you need to ensure the environment you are in isn't too loud.

Now, there are limitations. Macworld notes that the app only lets you dictate around 20 to 30 seconds of material at a time. While that seems limiting, think about it this way. All transcriptions cannot be 100% accurate. This means most of the time you will need to go back and edit, which can be done fairly easily using the app:

Dragon Dictation


So the more stuff you dictate at a time, the more text you will have to edit.

Share what you just uttered.

You can use the app to then send what was just dictated as a text message, email, or post it to Twitter or Facebook. It's relatively easy -- and you could also just copy and paste the message onto your phone's clipboard.

Dragon Dictation


Now one thing to note is that the app lacks an autosave feature. This means if it suddenly cuts out you may end up losing what you just dictated. Closing out of the app seems to erase whatever was on the screen.

Should you try Dragon Dictation? It may be worth a download, especially if you do not have other voice recognition software installed.

Need to know which legal apps are the best -- or worst? Wondering if you should part with $9.99 for that legal app? We know you are aching to find the perfect app(s) for your smart phone. So don't worry, we got you covered. Check back here as we break down all the top legal apps in our ongoing series. Got an app you think we should review? Let us know over at our FindLaw for Legal Professionals Facebook page.

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