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Voice assistants & dictation

Listening Ears

Speak instead of typing. Useful if typing is slow, or hands and eyes are not what they were.

What these do

These tools listen and act. You say what you want out loud — a reminder, a timer, a phone call, a song — and it happens. Others turn your speech into written words, so you can “write” a letter just by talking.

Good for

  • Medication and appointment reminders
  • Making a call without hunting for the number
  • Writing an email by speaking it
  • Getting the weather, the news, or a radio station without a screen

Tools worth trying

  • Amazon Alexa

    by Amazon

    Easy to start

    Say “Alexa” and ask. Excellent for reminders, timers, music, and hands-free calls.

    Visit Amazon Alexa Tutorial coming soon

  • Google Assistant

    by Google

    Easy to start

    Already on most Android phones. Strong at questions, directions, and calendar reminders.

    Visit Google Assistant Tutorial coming soon

  • Siri

    by Apple

    Easy to start

    Already on every iPhone and iPad. Nothing to install — hold the side button and speak.

    Visit Siri Tutorial coming soon

  • Voice Typing

    by Built into your phone and computer

    Easy to start

    The little microphone on your keyboard. Tap it and talk, and your words appear as text. Free, already installed.

    Note: Dragon — the consumer version was discontinued, and built-in dictation is now as good and free.

    Visit Voice Typing Tutorial coming soon

  • Otter.ai

    by Otter

    Some practice needed

    Writes out everything said in a meeting or doctor’s visit, so you can read it later instead of straining to remember.

    Visit Otter.ai Tutorial coming soon