Dragon NaturallySpeaking, a popular speech recognition software, has been a game-changer in the world of technology. With its ability to accurately transcribe spoken words into text, it has revolutionized the way people interact with their computers. But have you ever wondered who owns this innovative software? In this article, we will delve into the history of Dragon NaturallySpeaking and explore its current ownership.
A Brief History of Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Dragon NaturallySpeaking was first developed in the 1990s by Dragon Systems, a company founded by James and Janet Baker. The software was initially called “DragonDictate” and was released in 1990. However, it wasn’t until the release of Dragon NaturallySpeaking in 1997 that the software gained widespread popularity. The software used a unique approach to speech recognition, which involved creating a personalized voice profile for each user. This approach allowed for more accurate transcription and helped to set Dragon NaturallySpeaking apart from its competitors.
The Rise of Nuance Communications
In 2000, Dragon Systems was acquired by Lernout & Hauspie, a Belgian speech recognition company. However, Lernout & Hauspie filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and Dragon Systems was subsequently acquired by ScanSoft, a software company based in the United States. ScanSoft later changed its name to Nuance Communications in 2005. Under Nuance’s ownership, Dragon NaturallySpeaking continued to evolve and improve, with new features and updates being added regularly.
Nuance Communications: The Current Owner of Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Nuance Communications is a leading provider of speech recognition and artificial intelligence solutions. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. Nuance’s product portfolio includes a range of speech recognition software, including Dragon NaturallySpeaking, as well as other solutions for industries such as healthcare and customer service.
Nuance’s Acquisition by Microsoft
In April 2021, Microsoft announced that it had acquired Nuance Communications for $19.7 billion. The acquisition marked a significant expansion of Microsoft’s presence in the healthcare industry, where Nuance’s speech recognition technology is widely used. However, it’s worth noting that the acquisition did not include Nuance’s consumer-focused products, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking. Instead, these products were spun off into a separate company called Nuance Communications, Inc.
The Future of Dragon NaturallySpeaking
So, what does the future hold for Dragon NaturallySpeaking? While the software is no longer owned by Nuance Communications, it will continue to be developed and supported by the new Nuance Communications, Inc. The company has stated its commitment to continuing to innovate and improve the software, with a focus on delivering the best possible user experience.
Key Features and Benefits of Dragon NaturallySpeaking
So, what makes Dragon NaturallySpeaking so popular? Here are some of the key features and benefits of the software:
- Highly Accurate Speech Recognition: Dragon NaturallySpeaking uses advanced algorithms to deliver highly accurate speech recognition, even in noisy environments.
- Personalized Voice Profile: The software creates a personalized voice profile for each user, allowing for more accurate transcription and a more natural dictation experience.
- Support for Multiple Languages: Dragon NaturallySpeaking supports a range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, and many more.
- Integration with Popular Applications: The software integrates seamlessly with popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a powerful speech recognition software that has revolutionized the way people interact with their computers. While the software’s ownership has changed over the years, its commitment to innovation and excellence remains unchanged. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to make the most of their computer, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is definitely worth considering.
| Company | Year | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Equipment Corporation | 1992 | Founded Dragon Systems |
| Lernout & Hauspie | 2000 | Acquired Dragon Systems |
| ScanSoft | 2001 | Acquired Dragon Systems from Lernout & Hauspie |
| Nuance Communications | 2005 | Changed name from ScanSoft to Nuance Communications |
| Microsoft | 2021 | Acquired Nuance Communications |
Note: The table above provides a brief overview of the major events in the history of Dragon NaturallySpeaking’s ownership.
Who owns Dragon NaturallySpeaking?
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is owned by Nuance Communications, Inc. Nuance Communications is a leading provider of speech recognition and artificial intelligence solutions. The company was founded in 1992 and has since become a pioneer in the field of speech recognition technology.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is one of the company’s flagship products, and it has been widely used for dictation and transcription purposes. Nuance Communications has continued to develop and improve the software over the years, adding new features and capabilities to make it more accurate and user-friendly.
What is Dragon NaturallySpeaking used for?
Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition software that allows users to control their computers and dictate text using voice commands. The software is commonly used for dictation, transcription, and document creation. It is also used by individuals with disabilities, such as those with mobility or dexterity impairments, to interact with their computers.
The software has a wide range of applications, including medical transcription, legal transcription, and customer service. It is also used by students, writers, and professionals to create documents, emails, and reports. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is available in several languages, including English, Spanish, French, and German.
Is Dragon NaturallySpeaking still available for purchase?
Yes, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is still available for purchase from Nuance Communications and other authorized resellers. The software is available in several versions, including Dragon Home, Dragon Premium, and Dragon Professional. Each version has different features and capabilities, and users can choose the one that best suits their needs.
Users can purchase Dragon NaturallySpeaking from the Nuance Communications website or from other online retailers. The software is also available for download, and users can try it out for free before purchasing it. Nuance Communications also offers technical support and training resources to help users get the most out of the software.
What are the system requirements for Dragon NaturallySpeaking?
The system requirements for Dragon NaturallySpeaking vary depending on the version of the software. However, in general, the software requires a Windows or Mac computer with a minimum of 2GB of RAM and a 2.2 GHz processor. The software also requires a sound card and a microphone to function properly.
In addition to the hardware requirements, Dragon NaturallySpeaking also requires a compatible operating system. The software is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, as well as Mac OS X 10.11 and later. Users should check the Nuance Communications website for the most up-to-date system requirements before purchasing the software.
Can Dragon NaturallySpeaking be used with other applications?
Yes, Dragon NaturallySpeaking can be used with other applications, including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and email clients. The software allows users to dictate text and control their computers using voice commands, and it can be integrated with a wide range of applications.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking also supports third-party add-ins and plugins, which can extend its functionality and allow users to customize it to their needs. For example, users can install add-ins to integrate Dragon NaturallySpeaking with their favorite applications or to add new features and capabilities.
Is Dragon NaturallySpeaking secure?
Yes, Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a secure software that uses advanced encryption and security protocols to protect user data. The software stores user profiles and audio recordings locally on the user’s computer, and it does not transmit any data to Nuance Communications or other third parties without the user’s consent.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking also complies with major industry standards for security and data protection, including HIPAA and PCI-DSS. The software is widely used in healthcare, finance, and other industries where data security is critical, and it has a strong track record of protecting user data.
What kind of support does Nuance Communications offer for Dragon NaturallySpeaking?
Nuance Communications offers a range of support resources for Dragon NaturallySpeaking, including online documentation, tutorials, and technical support. The company also offers phone and email support for users who need help with the software.
In addition to technical support, Nuance Communications also offers training resources to help users get the most out of Dragon NaturallySpeaking. The company offers online training courses, webinars, and workshops, as well as on-site training for large organizations. Users can also access a community forum and knowledge base to connect with other users and get answers to common questions.