Tag: voice recognition software

Trinvo Talking Translator

On By Michel McDonaldIn TechLeave a comment

I just found this neat gadget on the Dvice.com website.  It is the Trinvo Talking Translator Knows a Dozen Languages post.

When we were thinking about going to Italy a few years ago I was trying my best to learn Italian.  We bought CD’s from Costco and I sat here for hours at a time for weeks trying to learn and I just couldn’t learn it very easily.  And the words that I did learn I don’t seem to remember at all.

I was looking to buy something that would act as a translator for me and I found 1 way but it would cost hundreds of dollars.  I would’ve had to buy a PDA and buy voice recognition software with languages and of course I would’ve had to pay for each language that I needed and it wasn’t cheap, about $50 per language.  We never did make it to Italy though.

But with the Trinvo Talking Translator it makes it so much easier.  Although it is still a bit expensive and since it’s only for sale in the UK via the Gadgetshop website, you are looking to spend quite a bit of money.

The gadget itself is £34.99 and with shipping to the United States they tack on an additional £28.00 as their shipping charge for a grand total of £62.99 which translates to $103.86.  Without that bogus shipping charge the gadget still costs $57.70.  But who wants to pay the same amount for shipping that the gadget itself costs?

I suppose if you were to buy it at the airport you would end up paying over $100 anyway.

Google 411

On By Michel McDonaldIn Daily BlogLeave a comment

I just got an email about this.  It’s new Google 411.  Wow, is google going to start making cell phones next?  Oh wait, they do!  What about microwaves or television sets or dishwashers?

Well, this new thing is actually a very good thing.  Before I had blogged about 411 calls now costing $1 per call and that you can call 1-800-free-411 but you have to endure listening to a 15-30 second advertisement.  But, this is even better because there are NO advert’s and they automatically collect you to who you want to call.  I’ve added 1-800-goog-411 to all our handsets in the house and to my cell phone and you should too.

If you have a cell phone with internet or with maps or whatever they will send you a map for your GPS so you can get there and/or they will text message you the information you asked for but you have to tell them that.  Oh it’s also a recording so you won’t talk to a person but their voice recognition software is pretty good so you probably won’t have to.  Hey, don’t bitch about it, it’s free.

Call 1-800-goog-411 or visit their website at www.google.com/goog411

Update: As of November 12th 2010 Google has shut down their free 411 service.  It’s a shame because it was pretty frickin’ awesome.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

On By Michel McDonaldIn HealthLeave a comment

Sometime last year I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. up until now I have been OK with crocheting and typing but I have to start using a voice recognition software and a microphone to type with.

I had to stop crocheting completely because my hands get numb and my right hand feels like there something pinching in there. I have to say that it’s really not fair because I really enjoyed crocheting.

I enjoyed typing too but I do love being able to talk into a microphone and have all my words come up as typed words. it does make a few mistakes here and there but I really don’t mind. for example the first word in each sentence is not capitalized. But that’s quite all right I really don’t care.