Speechify Expands Chrome Extension with Innovative Voice Typing and Assistant Features
Speechify, a popular tool for converting articles, PDFs, and documents into audio, has introduced significant upgrades to its Chrome extension, including advanced voice typing capabilities and a responsive voice assistant. This enhancement comes amidst a surge in the development of voice recognition technology, driven by improvements in AI models over the past year.
The newly integrated voice typing function allows users to dictate text with support for English, correcting errors and minimizing filler words much like existing dictation tools. However, during preliminary tests, some users experienced challenges with compatibility on platforms such as WordPress, although Speechify is actively working on optimization for various popular sites.
In terms of performance metrics, initial findings indicate that the word error rate for Speechify’s system is higher compared to competitors like Wispr Flow and Monologue. Nevertheless, the company asserts that its model improves with continued use, suggesting that users can expect a decrease in errors over time.
Additionally, Speechify has rolled out a sidebar-based conversational voice assistant. This tool enables users to pose questions about website content, such as summarizing key points or simplifying complex ideas. Unlike other AI assistants, which often play a secondary role in applications, Speechify positions its voice functionality at the forefront of user interaction.
However, it’s worth noting that the assistant currently lacks integration with browsers that possess built-in sidebar capabilities, such as OpenAI’s Atlas. Despite this limitation, Speechify primarily targets Chrome’s extensive user base, showing confidence in its choice of platform.
Looking ahead, Speechify plans to extend the voice typing and assistant features across all its applications, both desktop and mobile. The startup has also expressed ambitions to develop capabilities that involve completing tasks on behalf of users, such as making appointment calls or holding customer service lines. This vision aligns with similar goals pursued by other companies like Truecaller and Cloacked.
Key Takeaways:
– Speechify enhances its Chrome extension with voice typing and a voice assistant.
– Voice typing corrects errors and removes unnecessary words.
– Initial user tests reveal areas for improvement, particularly on certain platforms.
– The voice assistant can answer questions about website content.
– Future expansions include task automation capabilities in various applications.
