Voice recognition in home inspections

Voice recognition is getting better and being used successfully in many industries, like medical record transcription. We are going to explain how we see voice recognition software fitting into the home inspection process, and how it does not.

There are several different ways that voice can be used during the inspection.

1. Voice recording – useful for simply taking short notes about findings to be listened to later. This is supported by HomeGauge on the desktop version and the Pocket PC version.  Note: the Pocket PC version Pocket HG stores the audio at each inspection item rather than a big block of audio. Search by First Voice recording Next Voice recording and it takes you to that item where you can type as you listen.
   
   
2. Voice dictation – turning your speech into text. This is supported by HomeGauge on the desktop version. Inspectors can use the voice recognition software built into Windows XP for the Tablet PC. Microsoft Windows Vista, or Windows 7. Many HomeGauge customers also report success with Dragon Naturally Speaking.
   
   
3. Voice command – using your voice to give your computer commands and move around the application. With voice command and some additional speech feedback from the computer, the inspector can be hands free. Sounds cool and sexy, but it just is not practical. If you need convincing please read more here.

Voice recognition and HomeGauge

Is it possible to use voice recognition in the version of HomeGauge that you already have or were thinking of downloading?

Absolutely!

Here are the primary ways to use HomeGauge, whether you want to use your spoken word as commands and text, or if you want to turn pre-recorded speech into written comments. The first method is with the popular voice recognition software by Nuance called Dragon Naturally Speaking, using their latest version. The second is using the software that comes pre-packaged with most tablet PCs running Windows XP Tablet PC Edition/Vista/Windows 7. Inspectors using Pocket HG can also record their findings on site, and have those later turned into text using either of those.

Click below to choose the guide that best applies to you:

• Using a Desktop or Laptop (with Dragon Naturally Speaking)

• Using a Tablet/Convertible PC

• Practicality

Click here for the minimum system requirements for using voice recognition on your current desktop or laptop.

If you have any other questions, email us at support@homegauge.com or give us a call, toll free, at 877-274-4299.

Tip: When you record using a Pocket PC, you can play back your recording later when you have transferred the report. There is software available that can turn a .wav file (the recording you've made) into text for you.