What is new in Dragon 9.0?
What Version of Dragon Do I Need?
Should I Upgrade?
More About Dragon 9

 

What is new in Dragon 9.0

First and foremost, Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 is an amazing 20% more accurate than Version 8 (over 30% more than 7.0)! Even advanced users have been amazed by this dramatic improvement. In addition to best-ever accuracy, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9 also gives you an array of powerful new features including:

Expanded support for more applications. In addition to Microsoft® Word, Excel®, Internet Explorer®, Outlook® Express, Corel® WordPerfect® and AOL®, Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 is integrated with Firefox® and Thunderbird® from Mozilla. Plus, new support for non-standard edit controls means you get full Dragon functionally, such as Select-and-Say, allowing you to edit more easily than ever before.

Improved Command Browser that makes it faster and easier to create and view voice commands. Now you'll work faster than ever using Nuance's exclusive Natural Language Technology to say commands virtually any way you want in Microsoft Word, Excel, and many other applications

New wireless support for any Nuance-approved Bluetooth headset. Now you can work without being tethered to your PC giving you more freedom than ever.

Which version do I need?

Dragon NaturallySpeaking has Standard, Preferred, and Professional versions of their voice recognition software. Here's what you need to know:

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard is the least expensive but is very limited. It is often used to create e-mails, instant messages and surf the web.  However, it does not interact with many Windows®-based applications.  This version is NOT RECOMMENDED for the every day user.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred  is the version that gives the BEST VALUE for the price.  This  version allows you to use your voice to dictate and edit in virtually all Windows®-based applications. You can even dictate into a handheld device when you’re away from your PC, or use a Bluetooth microphone!  Preferred is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the educational environment and for use by many business professionals. This version includes the tools that most users need on an every day basis.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional  is the HIGH-END product  that includes many additional features that increases productivity in certain specialized fields.  This version is section 508 certified and offers complete hands-free use of the PC for users with disabilities.  It allows busy professionals to create voice commands that execute multi-step computer tasks instantly.  The Professional version is the only version that includes optional tools for network deployments, such as support for Citrix thin clients. Recommended for large industries in specialized fields.

Should I Upgrade?

If you are already using Version 8.0, it may not worth upgrading to Version 9.  (Most people will find the changes between 8.0 and 9.0 to be too few and too subtle).  However, there is a noticeable improvement over Version 7.0.

Before upgrading check that your hardware meets the new 9.0 requirements: