Otter Voice Notes and Transcription

Otter creates voice notes that combine audio, transcription and speaker identification for free on a desktop/laptop computer when online and with mobile and tablet apps. 

Otter is a real time speech recognition service, that can recognise different speakers in recorded sessions, allow you to download the output in text and audio as well as SRT.  It is really quite accurate even when using a desktop microphone with clear English speakers in a small room.  We have found it useful for note taking and transcribing interviews but have not tested it in a lecture theatre.  The free online version of Otter offers 600 minutes of transcription per month with unlimited cloud storage and synchronisation across devices.  Visit the App Store or Google Play for more features and reviews.

 The Premium version provides more features, such as names of speakers when they register and are recognised by recording a little bit of speech and 6,000 minutes of transcription per month.  PC Mag provided a review in June 2018 and mentioned that with the free plan, users get 600 minutes of transcriptions per month.

ECS Accessibility Team, University of Southampton. 

Recording data on field trips with an iPad

James sent this through and we would like to say thank you as it is great to know that tablet technologies can work so well in these situations and Apple provided a replacement when needed!

iPad in water

Lifedge waterproof case from Gizmag Review – April 24, 2012

“The iPad was invaluable in the field as it allowed me to take notes and complete spreadsheets of field results on the move.The waterproof case was excellent and allowed me to continue writing in the rain, although I was not out in heavy rain due to the high risk of thunder and lightning during heavy rain in Florida. Battery life was more than enough to last the 6 hour field days, we did not stay out all day due to the extreme afternoon heat. I did find that I was unable to use voice recognition software in the field as both Dragon and the built in iPad notes voice recognition required wifi connection in order to work, but I managed ok typing one handed.

The video camera function did stop working part way through the trip, but I don’t think this was anything to do with the climate or use.

People at the Apple shop said that this sometimes happens during normal conditions and replaced the whole iPad at an Apple shop after my return to the UK under the standard 1 year warranty.”

James
BSc BioSciences Zoology

Evernote for Research

EvernoteEvernote is the “most useful app. Good layout and easy to organise my notes and research. Able to synchronise with laptop. I can use a notebook for each of my modules. I find the ability to synchronise whatever I input on iPad with laptop. Excellent for storing notes which were made earlier, easy to find, no more searching through pages in books. Far superior to Notebook+ and Notebook. This app really met my needs.”

EM University of Birmingham iPad project

 

Evernote is available for Windows, Mac, Android and Blackberry.

YouTube video –How to clip web pages to Evernote from your iPad

Evernote for organising courseware

“In order to organise my courseware I use an online tool called Evernote.  This helps me to ‘clip’ useful information from websites and also to save some reminders. The app can be used online as a web app and also installed as a Chrome browser bookmark or Android and iPhone mobile or tablet app.  The offline app can then sync to your profile.” Andreas (MSc Web Science)

Keith Everett has provided a useful YouTube video about how he has worked with Evernote and he shows the Chrome browser bookmark as well as talking about linking with a mobile phone.

Evernote for making checklists

“I use Evernote for making checklists.  If I have a large piece of coursework or many subjects areas to revise.  I break each task down, make a list and tick off each task as I complete it.  There is always a sense of satisfaction when looking at a list full of ticks!”

Evernote checklistEvernote has provided a blog about “how to create a checklist“.

Evernote can be used on Windows and Mac computers, as browser plugins and also sync with smartphones.