Windows 7 Speech Recognition and Handwriting Recognition

7 comes with improved speech recognition and handwriting recognition, due to Microsoft. It also comes with multi touch support built into the operating system. Theoretically, this makes it possible to use Windows 7 machines without the need for a keyboard or mouse. Although it's not quite there nevertheless, due to some reports, it's a reasonable attempt to make tablet PCs useful, and computers in general more available to folks with physical challenges (including slow typing).

Speech Recognition

Windows 7 comes with a somewhat credible speech recognition program. Speech recognition programs have been frustratingly inaccurate in the past, and given that you are able to spend $200 on stand-alone speech recognition software, it's truly amazing that speech recognition is bundled into the operating system. Like all speech recognition software, it does require that you train the software to recognize your unique voice. The Windows 7 version does this in an interesting manner, integrating the tutorial with voice training. There is also considerably less to read than with competing products. It does seem to be somewhat accurate even after basic training. I found that it was even operational (although not very accurate) when my headset was a lot of feet away, lying on the desk. Further evaluation is required to see if Windows 7 speech recognition is accurate and reliable enough to be truly useful.

Handwriting Recognition

Windows 7 hand writing recognition Windows 7 can recognize natural handwriting. My own experiments with it revealed surprisingly good results. I drew some very crude letters using a track ball, and Windows 7 was able to recognize most of what I scrawled out. Handwriting recognition is really meant to be used with a tablet or touch screen, but nonetheless has some application when using a mouse. One interesting built-in application for handwriting recognition is the Math Input Panel. you are able to use it to hand-write complex mathematical formulae, which is converted to typographical script. to make use of the Math Input Panel, you need software that works with the MathML protocol.

Multi Touch

Multi touch support provides interpretation of touch-sensitive devices, such as a touch pad or touch screen. This provides you to interact with software in a more sophisticated manner. for instance, you are able to touch a map in two places, then rotate and zoom the map with corresponding finger gestures. The overall design of the desktop has been altered to make touch easier. for instance, the taskbar is 10 pixels taller, to make the task icons easier to touch. Touch accuracy can nonetheless be a problem though, and gestures for shortcuts like cut and paste can be difficult to trigger, except when you do not want them, due to some reports.