Talk to your PC

       As most of you have seen the TV commercials on Voice
       commands for your computer.  Microsoft has one that directly
       shows you how you can talk to your computer instead of
       typing on the keyboard.  Just admazing, but maybe one day we
       can do this with our own personal computers.  Well you don't
       have to wait anymore.  It's out.  IBM has announced
       Voicetype for Windows. It recognizes keywords that most
       windows applications understand.

       The 129.00 program includes software and a Sony FVX300
       microphone.  You supply a SoundBlaster or compatible audio
       board.  Installation is simple: You just run the setup
       program and plug the included microphone into the mono input
       port on your sound card.  VoiceType Control supports
       multiple users on the same machine, so the first step is to
       tell it who you are.

       A quick training option lets you teach the program your
       pronunciation of the basic commands, which it calls the
       "always active" vocabulary. This system is very sensitive to
       how the control words are pronounced. The program defaults
       to a clear, accentless pronunciation that won't match the
       way the majority of users talk.  You'll want to go through
       the training to ensure that you don't have problems with the
       vocabulary. Once this is all completed the program leaves a
       Voicebar active on the screen.  This Voicebar lets you
       toggle the microphone on and off, change users, and reopen
       the quick training session

       In addition you can use words that a number of Windows
       utilities such as Notepad, Calculator, and File Manager, as
       well as for serveral Windows Applications.  It does take in
       effect surrounding noises and you must make sure to
       pronounce the words and phrases exactly as you did in the
       training session.  Its not meant to replace the mouse or
       keyboard but to supplement them.

       EDITOR CLYDE ARNOLD
       BITS N' BYTES BBS