Voice-to-text apps: Are they safe for driving?

I don’t text and drive. I also don’t tweet, update my Facebook status or email while I’m driving. I signed the pledge at Moms Send the MSG, and I meant it. I do not want to put my own children in danger while I am driving. I also don’t want to put anyone else in danger because of a technology-based distraction. It’s distracting enough to drive with kids!

I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about voice-based texting/messaging apps for various phones. I did a little research and found some mixed reviews. Dragon Dictation is getting a lot of talk-time on the web right now as they just released an update.

I went ahead and downloaded Dragon Dictation, a free app for the iPhone (and iPad). It allows you to record your message via voice for the purpose of sending via text, email, twitter and Facebook. As a tip, click on settings first and set up your social networking accounts so you don’t need to fumble with them when you need to be hands free.

I would also suggest turning on the name recognition that is based off of your contact list. Of course, as my youngest son isn’t on my contact list (no, my almost three-year-old doesn’t have a cell phone), it really didn’t recognize his name. It came out as everything from okay to taipei to hi dad. However, my older son’s name was easily recognized as was my husband’s. My name came out as Jana, which is close enough, I suppose.

As far as “hands free” goes, it’s not perfect, which is the general consensus about these voice-to-text apps. To record, you have to tap the record button. To finish it up, however, there is a setting (not default) that detects end-of-speech. To send to email, twitter, Facebook or text, you then have to tap the corresponding button and follow through with any steps through that function. Lots of tapping.

When it comes down to it, I find this to be a useful app for various reasons. It would be great to catch an idea when you’re away from your laptop. Or to tweet when you don’t feel like typing. Or just for fun. But I don’t want any parents (or anyone) to assume that this app is good or safe for use while driving. Keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on the road.

Other bloggers have some great reviews.

• Gear Diary has a well-written, detailed review, complete with video. They are big fans.
• MOMeo Magazine lists it as one of their Top 10 iPhone Apps. Some great apps make the list!

Jenna Hatfield, aka @FireMom on Twitter, also writes at Stop, Drop & Blog and The Chronicles of Munchkin Land. She works as a freelance writer and newspaper photographer.

Comments

[Daniel Honigman]

Agree with Stacy. However, for folks that absolutely MUST talk and drive, there are some great ways to hook up your phone to your car via Bluetooth. It's pretty nifty!