Voice-to-text made easy with Jott’s Mobile App

November 25, 2008

Like most of you, I carry my mobile device with me at all times. The idea of being connected means I’m never too far away from the information or resources I need. For example, when I’m on-the-go I often find that I need to leave myself work-related reminders, or, great ideas come to mind that I need to quickly capture for future reference. In these scenarios, I have found that it’s often cumbersome to type lengthy reminders on my mobile device, or simply locate a pen when I need it most. However, the good news is that those days are over.

Voice-To-Text

In the past, I often relied heavily on memory, or, a scribbled note on a napkin. Today, I use Jott’s voice-to-text service which allows me dictate a memo to my mobile device. Within a couple of minutes, my memo is transcribed and sent to me via text message (or email if I prefer).

What is JOTT?

“Jott makes sure you stay on top of everything. With a simple phone call to 866-JOTT-123, you can capture notes, set reminders and calendar appointments, stay in touch with friends and family, and interact with your favorite web sites and services…all with your voice!” -Jott.com

As with most SaaS on the web, Jott offers both free and premium service.  Paid services offers much more functionality such as the ability to install, and use Jott for Outlook. It’s a nifty Outlook add-on which allows you to easily create e-mail messages, calendar items, and tasks by dictating them to Jott on an as needed basis.

Here’s a short video on Jott:

Jott is a must-have app for the mobile professional. If you are on-the-go and in need of a great way to transcribe your daily acition-items, I would recommend testing Jott’s (free) service. If you decide that Jott’s free offering is too basic, then there’s always the option to upgrade.

Remember, get comfortable now because the future is mobile…

OpenDrive: A remote drive for your computer

November 24, 2008

From OpenDrive:

OpenDrive is a remote drive for your computer, that allows you to store, share or back up files from your computer on the Internet. You can store anything and share it with anyone, right from your desktop. Start storing and sharing today.

Imagine being able to grab a file and instantly share it with anyone, right off your desktop. Or quickly edit and save a file and see those changes instantly on any other pc with OpenDrive or an Internet connection.

OpenDrive: Learn More about OpenDrive The Online Disk.

Search On-the-Go: Don’t Type It. Speak it.

November 24, 2008

As we become increasingly mobile, and untether from our desktops, having immediate access to the right information is no longer just a preference but a necessity. Outside of SMS, mobile search has become one of the most popular ways in which we can leverage our mobile devices.

Consider this scenario…

It’s been a tough day. You are running late for your first lunch meeting with that new (key) client. Earlier, you were careful to write down the address and directions. The problem? You left the notes of your meeting location on your office desk, you’re now running behind because of traffic, and you do not have GPS.

I guess now is a good time to panic? Well, rather than dialing 411, you could try free voice-driven search services offered by either Tellme, or Google’s Mobile App.

Tellme.com

“Tellme’s vision is, ‘Say what you want and get it, on any device.” From ‘vision’ to reality, Tellme has already delivered over 2 billion voice searches results for millions of mobile subscribers. See the following video made courtesy of Pocketnowvideo:






Google Mobile App

“Faster search results with fewer keystrokes.” The video below provides an overview of the new Google Mobile App for the iPhone. The App allows mobile users to speak versus typing their search queries.



As a Recruiter, how can voice-driven search help you?

Let’s assume you are out of the office, waiting on an appointment and have a little time to spare. You are sourcing for potential prospects with .NET architecture and SharePoint experience who live in the New York region.

» Step 1: Grab your mobile device and get started. Using either the Tellme or Google’s Mobile App, try speaking your search query as follows: “Resumes, NET Architects, SharePoint, New York.”

» Step 2: Filter the “noise.” Your search results will vary and likely not be exactly what you were seeking the first time you try it. The results may even contain job posts or other unwanted noise. You may need to retry your search query using additional keywords to narrow down what you are seeking. Be specific as possible with your voice-search. Also, speaking clearly, and in some cases - speaking slowly, is often important to ensure the mobile app has successfully captured your exact search query.


Remember, voice-driven search is pretty “hip” technology but it’s still far from perfect. As with all new technology, it will take time for it to evolve and get better. So get comfortable now and think of the possibilities. Mobile is the future…

I’m Pressing the Rewind Button. Care to Follow?

November 23, 2008

Ok, so it seems that the “Tag-you’re it” bug is flying around the web these days. Or, at least it appears that way within the recruiting and HR circle.  Anyhow, I have been bitten by the bug twice now.  I was tagged once by good friend and fellow Think Tank Member Amybeth Hale, as well as by Susan Burns from TalentSynchronicity.

So, what does this all mean? Well, it means that today is the day I press rewind and share a sneak peak into what makes me tick (i.e., why I do what I do) by providing “7 things you didn’t know about me.”  Care to follow along?

Here are the rules:

  • Link your original tagger(s), and list these rules on your blog.
  • Share seven facts about yourself in the post - some random, some weird.
  • Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names and the links to their blogs.
  • Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs and/or twitter.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Me

Read more »

Mobile Messaging Reaches Record-Breaking Numbers - ReadWriteWeb

November 22, 2008

Mobile messaging is experiencing a period of record growth, according to some figures released from VeriSign earlier this week. Looking at the numbers more closely, some interesting trends emerge. Those include the use of messaging for social and political change,

Mobile Messaging Reaches Record-Breaking Numbers - ReadWriteWeb.

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