Should we invest in voice recognition software?

 

Offices & Operations mentor Mie-Yun Lee responds to the following question from an inc.com user:
Should we invest in voice recognition software, or will it be a flash in the pan? What should I look for?

Mie-Yun Lee's response:
Had you asked me this a few years ago, I would have said to forget it. But voice recognition software has improved greatly since its inception. It is still not perfectly accurate, though.

At this point, I think your best bet may be to hang onto your keyboard. Voice recognition software may be good for limited dictation, such as composing e-mails and data entry, but, in my opinion, trying to dictate something long can prove trying.

If you decide to purchase voice recognition software, you have a variety of packages to choose from. You can get a software package that will allow you to maneuver around your PC -- from using your applications to browsing the Web -- for $200 or less. Or you can get a package with more limited options for $50 or less. Just remember to choose software that will be compatible with the hardware and software you already have on your PC.

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