I frequently rely on dictation apps, such as Wispr Flow and Willow, for responding to messages and emails on my Mac and phone. However, I often face challenges as the microphones on my phone and AirPods struggle to accurately capture my voice. Thus, when Notta introduced me to their device, SpeakOn, designed specifically for dictation, I was eager to try it. My experience, however, proved to be somewhat mixed due to the device’s design and limitations in platform compatibility.
SpeakOn is a lightweight, pebble-shaped gadget that attaches seamlessly to the back of an iPhone via MagSafe. It weighs only 25 grams, which means it’s hardly noticeable even when carried in a pocket. The device is complemented by an iOS app that functions as a keyboard interface for dictation. Interestingly, the app can be used independently of the device as well.
To operate SpeakOn, simply press a button to start dictation and release it when finished. It features a microphone that captures audio from a distance of up to two feet. Dictation works in any app where the software keyboard is active, and the app cleverly filters out filler words while also allowing for text formatting options, such as listing.
One significant advantage of the SpeakOn device is that it operates independently of the iPhone’s microphone, allowing for more dedicated voice capture that some other apps lack. However, I found that the audio quality suffered unless I stayed within close range of the device, and outside noise often interfered with the mic’s performance. Improved microphone quality would be beneficial in future versions.
I wished for features such as the ability to switch to the SpeakOn keyboard simply by double-tapping the record button, which could enhance user experience. Moreover, while the app adjusts the tone and edits based on the specific application, some of these alterations felt forced or unnecessary, leading me to disable the editing features altogether.
Additionally, the lack of compatibility with Mac is a missed opportunity, limiting the device’s usability across platforms. SpeakOn does offer a translation feature for multiple languages, which can be useful. The device claims to provide ten hours of usage and a standby time of 20 days, but my experience suggests that the standby time is much shorter, calling for an automatic shut-off feature after periods of inactivity to save battery life.
The charging capability is commendable, with a full charge in one hour, and a price of $129 includes a plan for 5,000 words per week. This is competitive compared to other apps offering less for free. While SpeakOn has made strides as an innovative dictation device, it must enhance its software experience and broaden platform compatibility to maintain its market edge, especially as competitors could easily emerge with similar offerings.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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