Finding new tools to improve productivity is one of the things we do best around here at ProfHacker, and Vlingo might be one of those tools even though it’s not exactly new. Vlingo, a voice recognition program for many smart phones, is billed as a “virtual assistant” that can “turn words into action.” Vlingo uses accurate voice recognition technology to help users stay connected with the people, businesses and activities through texting, emailing, and searching. Vlingo can also connect users with third party applications, like Facebook and Twitter.
Why all the interest in Vlingo (since it’s been available since 2006)? Interest in Vlingo has spiked since Apple released the iPhone 4S with its voice-controlled personal assistant, Siri. Siri, as you might know, carries out commands on other applications, sends messages, schedules meetings, makes telephone calls, and more. Vlingo does many of the same tasks, but unlike Siri, Vlingo is available not only for the iPhone but also on the Blackberry, Android, Nokia, and select Windows Mobile devices. And Vlingo is free.
The program seems simple enough to use with easy-to-follow screens and tutorials. Press a button and Vlingo will record your text message, post an update to Twitter or Facebook, or call number in your contact list. The program also offers a screen-by-screen guide how to get started with the program. Additionally, Vlingo offers a YouTube channel with videos explaining the program’s functions and uses, and their website has a forum where customers can ask and answer questions. You can even follow them on Twitter.
As with any voice-recognition software, though, speech recognition is not perfect. Users much practice speaking to the program for the program to understand what’s required of it. But for simple texting or making telephone calls, Vlingo might be the way to go.
If you are interested in other ProfHacker posts where we discuss voice-activated or texting programs, check out these posts:
- Heather, How to Record Your Talking Habits and Why You Might Want To
- Jason, Meet Siri the iPhone App from the Future (Available Now)
- Jason, 5 Ways to Send Text Updates
- George, 5 Easy Speech-to-Text Solutions
- Guest Writer, Vanessa J. Alander, Text Your Classes Easily with Remind 101
And if you are going to be texting your students with voice activation software,
Do you have experience with Vlingo? Would you recommend it to your friends and colleagues? What are its benefits? Drawbacks? Please leave comments below.
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