Speechify Launches AI Voice Typing and Assistant to Challenge Tech Giants

Speechify has introduced new voice AI tools. The features include voice typing and a conversational assistant. This expands the company’s reach beyond text-to-speech.

The launch was confirmed this week. According to TechCrunch, the tools are available now in a new Chrome extension. This move positions Speechify against major players like Google and OpenAI.

New Features Target Productivity and Accessibility

The voice typing tool supports English. It automatically corrects errors and removes filler words. This aims to make dictation more efficient for users.

The assistant works from a browser sidebar. Users can ask questions about any webpage. It can summarize content or explain complex ideas.

Early Tests Show Room for Improvement

Initial tests revealed some performance issues. The dictation tool works well on Google Docs and Gmail. However, it struggles on platforms like WordPress.

Accuracy currently lags behind competitors like Wispr and Willow. Speechify claims its model learns and improves with use. The company is gradually optimizing the tool for popular websites.

Voice-First Approach Defines Competitive Strategy

Speechify believes its voice-first design provides an advantage. Company executives told TechCrunch that voice remains secondary in tools like ChatGPT. They aim to make it the primary interaction method.

The extension currently works best on Chrome. It does not function with browsers that have built-in sidebar assistants. Speechify plans to expand these features to all its desktop and mobile apps.

Speechify’s new voice AI tools represent a significant expansion of its capabilities. The company is betting on voice as the future of human-computer interaction. This strategic shift could redefine how users interact with digital content.

Thought you’d like to know

What exactly does the new Speechify voice typing do?

It allows you to dictate text directly into web applications. The tool corrects common errors and removes filler words automatically. It currently supports the English language.

Where can I use the Speechify voice assistant?

The assistant operates from a sidebar in the Chrome browser. You can ask it questions about the webpage you are viewing. It can summarize content or explain concepts in simpler terms.

How accurate is Speechify’s voice recognition?

Initial tests show its word error rate is higher than some competitors. The company states the model improves with continued use. They are actively optimizing performance across different websites.

Does the assistant work with all browsers?

No, it is currently optimized for Chrome. It does not function with browsers that have built-in sidebar AI assistants. Speechify is focusing on Chrome’s massive user base first.

What are Speechify’s future plans for voice AI?

The company aims to develop AI agents that complete tasks autonomously. This could include making appointment calls or waiting on hold with customer service. They have not revealed a detailed roadmap yet.