A. Read the article and then complete the exercises below.
Speech-recognition
Mobile phones and the Internet have changed the way we communicate.
However, we still need to use the keyboard and the mouse to communicate
with computers. When shall we be able to interact with PCs by voice?
Speech recognition systems can make this possible soon; in fact,
speech companies claim that their programs let you dictate, control
your PC by voice command, and convert text into speech.
The most popular voice recognition packages are IBM ViaVoice, Dragon
NaturallySpeaking, and L&H Voice Xpress. If you decide to buy
one speech program, look for these features:
All the programs let you dictate text directly onto your word
processor, spreadsheet or e-mail. They claim an accuracy rate
of around 98 percent. The technology is particularly useful
to dictate notes, business memos, letters and e-mail.
Speech programs are usually more accurate if you train the
software by reading aloud for about 20 minutes. This process
involves reading sample text and teaching the program to recognize
words that are not in its built-in dictionary (e.g. proper names,
acronyms, unusual words). Most products let multiple users personalise
their vocabulary and pronunciation.
They offer useful voice commands for editing and formatting
(e.g. setting font size and style, text alignment etc.). However,
it’s a bit difficult to make corrections by voice; using the
keyboard may be faster and more accurate.
Speech software allows you to use commands to launch programs
or to navigate around windows and menus. You can also tell your
programs to open a file, save it in a particular format or print
it.
Some systems let you search the Web by voice. The web version
of IBM ViaVoice enables chat room users to chat using their
voices rather than keyboards. Dragon NaturallySpeaking lets
you browse the Web by speaking URLs and links, and dictate into
online forms and fields in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Speech recognition requires a powerful processor (500 MHz Pentium
recommended), 64 MB of RAM, a good sound card, and a high-quality
headset microphone.
Speech recognition technology has improved a lot and its potential
is enormous, but some experts consider that it is not ready for
common use yet. Some day, however, we’ll be talking to our PC naturally,
like a friend.
Speech recognition program from Dragon Systems, Inc.
A. Tick
the features mentioned in the article.
B. Language work - Modal verbs. With the help of the
text, fill in the gaps in these sentences. Use the correct modal
verb from the list.
Speech recognition program from Dragon Systems, Inc.