TITLE
    Mac OS 9: What's New - Speakable Items
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		60519
9/30/99
10/20/99
TOPIC

    Speakable Items is the set of commands that you can speak for your computer to perform. This feature is sometimes called "Speech Recognition" or "PlainTalk".

DISCUSSION

    Speakable Items 2.0 in Mac OS 9 now includes the following new features:
    • There is a speakable commands window.
    • Speakable Items can be application-specific.
    • Accuracy is improved.
    • There are new and updatable speakable items.
    • You can make AppleScripts use speech recognition by using the AppleScript Listener scripting addition.
    • Speakable Buttons and checkboxes.
    • Speech control panel changes.

    Speakable Items uses speech recognition to recognize when you say the name of the speakable item and open the file with that name. These are predominately AppleScripts or compiled applications that are named as commands that describe their action. For example: "Close this window" would be the name of the item that closes the front window.

    You can now have speakable items that are specific to a particular application. You can make any application speakable by using the "Make this application speakable." command.

    Accuracy is improved with Mac OS 9 also because Speakable Items adjusts to constant noise (CPU fans, air conditioners, electric hums). Irregular noise (TV, radio, talking) will likely still be a problem)

    You can now speak the names of most buttons (OK, Cancel), Radio buttons and checkboxes. You cannot speak items from a menu bar or pop-up menu.

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS 9.0
Sub Category: System Software Components
Keywords: kmos90

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