Google Docs has enhanced its voice typing feature in hopes of getting people to use it more often. Aside from allowing people to speak what they want the program to type, it has also made it possible for a person to perform formatting and editing tasks using the voice command system.
This means that users not only get to have their speech written, but they can also highlight, delete, underline and include bullets in the entire document, all while just talking to Google, which does it for them.
Of course, this means that practice would be needed to master the feature, as there will be keywords that users must remember to say in order to make the commands work.
It includes commands like "select (word)," "go to end of paragraph," "next line," "apply heading (1-6)," and many more. A list of the commands is available in Google Support, and it is made available in 40 languages.
The speech-to-text feature has been long available for the mobile version of Google Docs. However, this time, the feature and the upgrades have been made available exclusively for the desktop Chrome version.
To try out the feature, open up a Google Doc, click on "Tools," then select "Voice Typing." A microphone icon will appear in the left side of the screen. When ready, click on the icon and start speaking.
Below is a demo video of how the Voice Typing feature works:
If you're not satisfied with just the voice-typing feature, Google has also included a "See Changes" option, wherein all users in a single Google doc will have the chance to see what changes have been made in the sheet, including those made by other people.
The voice-typing feature might just be the next game changer on how people work using Google Docs from here on out. Will the need for soundproof cubicles come as each person starts using the feature, or will offices be noisier with everyone speaking rather than just typing?
No matter how this feature pans out in the coming months, those who still prefer hearing the music that their fingers make on the keyboards can simply turn the feature off, or never bother with it.
