Two of the biggest requests since [msd] has been released have been the ability to dictate with a Bluetooth headset, and to have voice control of the mouse. Today I'm pleased to bring you news of both!

Bluetooth

The MacSpeech team have now authorised - and are selling - the [msdcalisto] for use with all versions of Dictate. This headset comes with its own Bluetooth dongle, pre-paired so you can use it immediately. I am unsure if this means you can't use your Mac's internal Bluetooth with the Calisto headset and have asked MacSpeech to clarify this; I'll update the post when I have the information.

The [msdcalisto] can be purchased as part of a Dictate bundle, or separately for US$149.

Speech-Controlled Mouse Movements

Voice control for the mouse has been a big issue for MacSpeech Dictate users from the start, especially those users with disabilities. Today I've got a comment from Philip that seems to offer promise. Philip wrote:

What features would you like to see in voice mouse control?

I have successfully created a prototype of MSD commands in applescript for incremental positioning of the mouse: mouse up 100, mouse left 100, etc. I can see expanding the commands to a full screen of 2000x1500 in 1000, 500, 100 increments and a set of close in adjustments of perhaps 10, 20, 50. That would require about 200 commands in the set including the standard mouse button actions. Once created they could be easily imported.

Would such a set be worthwhile?

That sounds like fantastic work Philip, and I think it would definitely be worthwhile. Readers, please feel free to leave a reply to Philip in the comments here - I'll make sure he reads them, and will add my own comments also. This could be a huge help to tiding us over until MacSpeech incorporate their own native mouse movement into Dictate.

Coupons and Discounts

Last but not least, MacSpeech are offering 20% Off MacSpeech Dictate on USA Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday on MacSpeech.com orders! For international customers, this is the November 26-30th, 2009. When you're checking out, use the coupon code MS2009 to get your discount. Users of MacSpeech.co.uk can save 10% on MacSpeech Dictate with Microphone when you use the coupon code MACSPEECHUK.

Don't forget to leave your comments for Philip about his voice control mouse scripts.

- Ricky Buchanan
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The iPhone doesn't have a lot of voice control commands, but like most computer programs it's very picky about you getting the wording just right. I've compiled all the English voice control commands into a printable document that will fold neatly in half and fit in your iPhone pouch so it's handy while you're still learning the commands.

I also have a complete list of all the iPhone and iPod Touch Voice Commands and their functions. This list is briefer and doesn't have explanations for those commands where the function is obvious - it just lists the command name to jog your memory.

I'm making a PDF available for easy printing, and a version in Pages '08 format for those who might want to edit it for themselves. I've also created versions in both A4 and US Letter page sizes, which should cover everybody's standard page sizes.

Voice Command Cheat Sheets for iOS 4

• iPhone/iPod Touch Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, US Letter Size, PDF
• iPhone/iPod Touch Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, A4 Size, PDF
• iPhone/iPod Touch Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, US Letter Size, Pages '08 Format
• iPhone/iPod Touch Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, A4 Size, Pages '08 Format

Voice Command Cheat Sheets for iPhone OS 3.2

• iPhone Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, US Letter size, PDF
• iPhone Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, A4 size, PDF
• iPhone Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, US Letter size, Pages '08 Format
• iPhone Voice Commands Cheat Sheet, A4 size, Pages '08 Format

Oh, and because it has to be small to fold in half and fit in your iPhone case I put two on the same page. You can give the other one to a friend!

You can find more free downloadable cheat sheets and more on the Free Downloads page - go take a look.

- Ricky

I've had my iPod Touch for nearly a year now and I have definitely found that the most frustrating thing about it is getting information into it! I get almost all the information into my iTouch via synchronising it with my Mac, but even that's a bit of a pain since I have to sync with iTunes, 1Password, and Things each separately. But the pain of synchronisation is nothing compared to the pain of manually entering data!

Typing on the iPhone is something that people have complained loudly about since they were released. Recently, there was an external keyboard called the iTwinge announced by Mobile Mechatronics. It fits over the part of the screen that shows your iPhone Keyboard and looks similar to a blackberry keyboard. Mobile Mechatronics claims that you'll be able to type faster because of the tactile feedback of the keyboard.

The iTwinge was originally designed just for iPhone typing practice, but is now being sold as an add-on keyboard for regular use. I think the annoyance value of having to stop and attach the keyboard before typing, then taking it off so you can see the screen when not typing, will stop it being useful for anything except entering large amounts of text though. Shipments are scheduled to begin on the 19th of November.

On a more immediately practical level, MacWord has published an excerpt from the Take Control Of Your iPhone ebook which aims to help you to avoid iPhone navigation and typing hassles. The first section is about gestures but the second half of the article is about typing, and how to get the best out of your iPhone typing. Somewhat overlapping but with extra useful information is 11 iPhone Typing Tips from Art Of The iPhone.

With a slightly opposite point of view, this great video from iPhonePOV.com shows how you can type faster by using both thumbs and ignoring your mistakes - trusting that the iPhone will correct them for you:

(ignore the bit at the end where he says there's no cut, copy, or paste function - the video was made before those were added)

I'm not physically able to use both thumbs, so I can't tell you if this one works for me - does it work for you? What other strategies do you use to get information into your iTouch or iPhone faster?

- Ricky Buchanan