Voice to text - how do I improve it?

[costlea]

I recently purchased a Galaxy Z fold6 and was appalled by the poor performance of Voice-to-Text. Previously I had been using a Google g30 and was very happy with this function.  The Samsung device is much more expensive and I was shocked by how poor it performed. 

After trying many options in Settings, I could not improve it. Eventually I found a workaround. I downloaded the Google keyboard, Gboard, from the Play Store. I then set that as my default keyboard. I also selected Google Voice Typing in the settings. Basically what I did is got completely away from the Samsung software. It worked a treat and I now have Voice-to-Text function which is as good as on a Google phone. 

Samsung needs to get their act together and improve this function so that such measures should not be necessary. For me, it is a definite disincentive to purchasing a Samsung phone. I will check this function carefully before I do that again. 

I hope this is useful to others.

[ChibiSushiRoll]

Samsung TTS is definitely trash

[user8752698]

It may be trash, but I love the feature of holding down the power button to use speech to text. I use that feature so much.

[costlea]

I would have thought that accuracy of what is being recorded was more important, but each to his own. If Samsung got their act together then we could have both, and that would encourage Google to introduce the button function too. Then we would have an upward ramp to better functionality. 

[user8752698]

Let's go! I might try out the Google Keyboard, though, to see how much better it is.

[costlea]

Don't forget to also switch to Google Voice Typing, which is a simple selection in the Settings. 

[JBTechfanatic]

. If you're encountering inaccuracies with dictation, a combination of software adjustments and clear usage habits can lead to significant improvements. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to fix and refine voice-to-text on your device, based on the latest Samsung and Google voice recognition technologies.
Prioritize Google Voice Typing for Enhanced Accuracy
Samsung devices offer both Samsung voice input and Google Voice Typing. Many users find that Google's service provides a more accurate and faster experience.
How to switch to Google Voice Typing:
* Open Settings on your Galaxy Z Fold 6.
* Navigate to General management.
* Tap on Keyboard list and default.
* Select Default keyboard and ensure Samsung Keyboard is chosen.
* Go back and tap on Samsung Keyboard settings.
* Scroll down and select Voice input.
* Choose Google voice typing over Samsung voice input.
Fine-Tune Your Settings for Optimal Performance
Properly configured settings can make a world of difference in voice-to-text accuracy.
* Ensure a Strong Internet Connection: While some offline capabilities exist, both Samsung and Google voice typing perform best with a stable internet connection for the most advanced speech recognition.
* Check Microphone Permissions: The keyboard app needs permission to access your microphone.
* Go to Settings > Apps.
* Find and tap on your default keyboard app (e.g., Samsung Keyboard or Gboard).
* Select Permissions and ensure that Microphone is set to Allow.
* Clear the Keyboard Cache: Over time, the cache for your keyboard app can become cluttered and cause issues.
* Go to Settings > Apps.
* Locate your keyboard app.
* Tap on Storage.
* Select Clear cache.
* Keep Your Software Updated: Always ensure your device's software and your apps are up to date. Updates often include performance improvements for features like voice recognition.
Best Practices for Accurate Dictation
How you speak plays a crucial role in the accuracy of voice-to-text.
* Speak Clearly and at a Natural Pace: Avoid speaking too quickly or mumbling. Enunciate your words clearly and maintain a consistent, natural speaking rhythm.
* Minimize Background Noise: Dictate in a quiet environment whenever possible. Background conversations, music, or other noises can interfere with the microphone's ability to isolate your voice.
* Position the Microphone Correctly: Hold your phone a comfortable distance from your mouth, typically 6-12 inches, so that your voice is clear without being distorted.
* Use Voice Commands for Punctuation: Articulate your punctuation to structure your sentences correctly. For example, say "comma," "period," "question mark," or "new paragraph."
For an Extra Edge in Accuracy: Advanced Tips
If you've followed the steps above and still want to improve accuracy, consider these advanced techniques:
* Train Google Assistant's Voice Model: Improving Google Assistant's recognition of your voice can have a positive knock-on effect for Google Voice Typing.
* Open the Google app.
* Tap your profile picture and go to Settings.
* Select Google Assistant, then find the "Hey Google" & Voice Match settings.
* From there, you can retrain the voice model to better understand your specific speech patterns.
* Consider Using a Headset: For dictating in noisy environments or for longer periods, a headset with a dedicated microphone can dramatically improve accuracy by filtering out ambient sounds.
* Try an Alternative Keyboard: If you're not satisfied with the default Samsung Keyboard, consider installing and using Gboard from the Google Play Store. Gboard is Google's own keyboard and features a highly integrated and accurate voice typing experience.
By taking these steps, you can significantly enhance the voice typing. Also lastly make sure the case you are using is not covering the Mic holes on your device😊

[costlea]

Thank you for this detailed exposition. However, it relies on one critical point. You write:

Find and tap on your default keyboard app (e.g., Samsung Keyboard or Gboard). 

As supplied the phone does not come with the Google keyboard, Gboard. That has to be downloaded from the Play Store, installed and set as the default keyboard. It was that step that made a massive improvement in the performance of Voice-to Text on my phone 🙂

[JBTechfanatic]

In your keyboard device settings you should be able to choose either Google Voice or Samsung voice without using gboard it's already built into your device settings but if you like gboard that's fine to download also

[costlea]

But that's my main point. Using Google Voice with the Samsung Keyboard did not give a significant improvement in performance. It was the switch to the Google Keyboard, Gboard, and use of Google Voice that did that, and this is the message that I want to pass to other users.

I spent nearly two days trying multiple different things including returning to the shop where I bought it and they couldn't help me, before I found this solution myself.   

I hope that someone from Samsung is reading this.  Hopefully/maybe it will encourage them to improve this aspect of performance. For a phone that costs as much as a Galaxy Zfold 6, and in this day and age, the performance as supplied is appalling.