Prior versions of speech recognition software, while often very effective, suffered from two limitations that inhibited their widespread acceptance. First, these programs had memory and processor power requirements that could not be realistically met until the most recent generation of chips. This is not to say that discrete speech cannot be helpful to many people. Experienced discrete speakers can attain dictation speeds of at least 70 words per minute, a dramatic improvement over the keyboard speed of untrained typists. In contrast, Dragon System's new Naturally Speaking package and IBM's just-announced ViaVoice package allow users to speak with a natural manner and pace.
Spoken words appear immediately on the screen.
The effect is dramatic. The video of the Dragon Systems press conference which introduced the Naturally Speaking software is one of the most impressive technology demonstrations you will ever see. Speech recognition programs today take simultaneous advantage of two different techniques. This model is based on the forty-four phonemes used in the English language. A phoneme is the smallest identifiable sound in a language.