Why can't i talk to my computer?

[Guest glynton]

Of all the things that you'd think would be a standard part of computers now-a-days, I'd expect there to be some kind of voice interface with my computer. Keyboards and mice are too slow. I want to be able to say "Play artist... The Calling" instead of wading through my media library. Or "Email... Laura" to write an email. You get the idea... I'm just suprised that this isnt an everday feature! Is there anything available at all out there?

[Guest Firaas]

There's a few things out there which can do that, but a lot of them are pretty inaccurate and very slow (you need a pretty high-range computer to even get them started).

IBM ViaVoice is the best speech recognition software out there at this time, try http://www-4.ibm.com/software/speech/

But I personally don't think it's worth it.

[Guest Martin@Home]

I've recently (like yesterday) downloaded a freeware pgm called "StrokeIt" Download It here...

This uses mouse gestures to activate different commands in different software. Eg, in internet explorer, holding the right mouse button down and moving mouse from right to left is the same as clicking the "back" button. left to right clicks (forward) etc etc.

I havnt played with it that much, but it looks like you can teach it to recognise many different gestures that are application specific. So in your case you could teach it a gesture to open up your media folder from the desktop etc etc.

Its a bit awkward to start with but much quicker than searching through menu options etc. When surfing the web, its a Godsend being able to gesture a "C" to instantly close irritating pop ups !

[Guest glynton]

I've just downloaded a program called IVOS it looks good, and professional, but I'm having trouble getting it working. It's not very user friendly. But it's only £40