Speech becomes an interesting alternative when you must input data hands-free (think of dialing a call from your car); when speech can produce a text, email or draft as fast and as well as your typing skills (especially on a mobile device); or when it can do quick searches or initiate commands. In other words, by not asking speech recognition to do everything and being frustrated when it does not do it all, we can focus on where speech really helps us and take advantage of the help it offers us right now.

Here are some experiments you can try:

• Data entry on mobile devices. On the keyboard in many apps, you will probably see a small microphone icon near the space bar. Tap it and you can start dictating. The text you speak will appear as if you typed it, often with no errors.
• Hands-free use. We know texting, typing or dialing while driving is not safe; it might be illegal in your location. Using voice commands for dialing and handling simple tasks, either in your car’s system or on a mobile phone, might help you be both productive and safe.
• Commands and triggers. Some apps or systems, especially systems in new cars, have prebuilt commands that can be triggered by speech, like saying “call home” and your phone will dial your home number. Some apps allow more complex or customized voice commands. For common complex tasks with several steps, using a simple voice command can be a big time-saver.

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