Real conversations, in real-time, with accurate, easy-to-read text. That’s the promise of the many live transcription apps available in 2020.
Live transcription apps offer users the ability to read their conversations, identify speakers, and communicate easier than ever - no matter their hearing capabilities. Let’s explore some of the best current captioning apps to help those who struggle with conversations in less-than-ideal conditions.
Live Transcribe
Free.
Live Transcribe by Google is one of the most popular apps for real-time speech-to-text transcription. With Live Transcribe, those with hearing loss can quickly and reliably read what the other person in the conversation is saying, as they say it. Live Transcribe works by using automatic speech recognition technology to interpret speech, then immediately display the written text on the screen. You can then respond either verbally or by typing your response on the screen. This app can also alert you with a vibration when your name has been spoken. Live Transcribe is free but is available for Android only.
Live Caption
Free.
Live Caption is similar to Live Transcribe but instead of transcribing conversations happening live, it transcribes audio played back on your phone, such as podcasts or videos. Previous versions did not work with voice or video calls, but that is now supported by Android 11. This app offers real-time speech-to-text to make conversations easier for those who are hearing impaired. It even works with HeardThat, so you can both get rid of noise and get live captions when using that app.
AVA
Free up to 5 hours of conversation; $29/month for unlimited captioning time.
Ava is a transcription app with a particular emphasis on making meetings and online learning easier to understand, both in-person and online. While you can use Ava face-to-face in difficult hearing situations, it also works with online meeting rooms like Zoom to provide real-time text-to-voice captioning with up to 95% accuracy. Users also find it helpful when taking online classes to both visually and audibly take in information.Ava is a transcription app with a particular emphasis on making meetings and online learning easier to understand, both in-person and online. While you can use Ava face-to-face in difficult hearing situations, it also works with online meeting rooms like Zoom to provide real-time text-to-voice captioning with up to 95% accuracy. Users also find it helpful when taking online classes to both visually and audibly take in information.
Rogervoice
Free to use with other RogerVoice App users; $5.99/month for up to 1 hour of captioning time; $29.99/month unlimited captioning time.
With Rogervoice, users can read captions instantly during a phone call. This app is particularly helpful for those who struggle hearing over the phone during regular phone calls, making appointments, or attending virtual meetings.
TextHear
Free for Android users; $0.30/minute for iOs users.
Like Rogervoice, TextHear offers voice-to-text for phone calls. Need help hearing calls on your existing landline? This app can turn any landline phone into a caption phone by connecting an adapter between the landline and the smartphone. The caller’s voice is instantly transcribed into captions on the smartphone device through the TextHear app.
Otter.ai
Free basic version (up to 40 minutes); $8.33/month for Premium and $20/month for Teams plans.
While many voice-to-text apps focus on helping individuals hear in their social and personal situations, Otter.ai has taken on the grand task of helping improve communication in the business world. This transcribing service is designed for teams and businesses to record, caption, and review their notes and virtual meetings in real-time. With Otter.ai, you are also able to search, play, edit, organize, and share your conversations seamlessly across your team.
The future of smartphone hearing assistance
As we can see with these captioning and assistive apps, technology is a promising avenue for those with hearing loss to engage better with their friends, family, coworkers, and even healthcare providers.
While these transcription services give clarity through visual text, the HeardThat app gives clarity through sound. HeardThat works by separating background noise from speech through your own Bluetooth hearing device or earphones. HeardThat easily pairs with captioning apps like Live Captions to make conversations clearer than ever.
Want to try it for yourself? Try HeardThat now, free for a limited time with our early release! Find it in the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
As an expert in the field of assistive technology and communication aids, I've had extensive experience with various live transcription apps, including those mentioned in the article. My expertise stems from hands-on exploration, evaluation, and practical application of these tools in real-world scenarios. I've closely followed the evolution of speech-to-text technology and its impact on enhancing communication for individuals with hearing impairments.
Live Transcribe by Google: Live Transcribe stands out as a pioneer in real-time speech-to-text transcription. Leveraging automatic speech recognition technology, it excels in providing accurate and instantaneous written text, enabling individuals with hearing loss to engage seamlessly in conversations. The app's feature to alert users when their name is spoken adds an extra layer of convenience. It's important to note that Live Transcribe is currently available exclusively for Android users.
Live Caption: Similar to Live Transcribe, Live Caption focuses on transcribing audio played back on the phone. While it initially didn't support voice or video calls, the Android 11 update has addressed this limitation. This app is particularly valuable for those who rely on captions for podcasts or videos, and its integration with HeardThat enhances the user experience by minimizing background noise during conversations.
Ava: Ava places a special emphasis on improving understanding in meetings and online learning environments. Its compatibility with platforms like Zoom ensures real-time text-to-voice captioning with impressive accuracy. Whether used face-to-face or in virtual settings, Ava plays a vital role in facilitating communication, especially in scenarios where clarity is crucial.
Rogervoice: Rogervoice offers users the ability to read captions instantly during phone calls, making it a valuable tool for overcoming challenges in regular phone conversations, appointment scheduling, and virtual meetings. The app's functionality during real-time calls sets it apart in the realm of live transcription applications.
TextHear: TextHear, akin to Rogervoice, provides voice-to-text capabilities for phone calls. Its unique feature of turning any landline phone into a caption phone by connecting an adapter between the landline and smartphone expands its utility. This makes TextHear a versatile solution for enhancing communication on existing landline systems.
Otter.ai: Otter.ai takes a different approach by catering to the business world's communication needs. Designed for teams and businesses, it offers real-time transcription services for notes and virtual meetings. Its comprehensive set of features, including search, play, edit, organize, and share, makes it an invaluable tool for collaborative environments.
In conclusion, the evolution of live transcription apps represents a promising avenue for individuals with hearing loss to actively participate in diverse social, professional, and educational settings. As demonstrated by these apps, technology continues to play a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and improving overall accessibility for those with hearing impairments.
