Voice-to-Text, Voice-to-Email Technology

U.S. News and World Report says 66% of young people send text messages while they’re driving. And one survey found it was highest in South Carolina. Those can be scary numbers on the roads.

But there’s new technology that lets you send text messages without typing, and convert voice messages into emails. We’ll show you how voice-to-text technology can work for you in this Seven On Your Side Consumer Watch.

Listening to voicemail messages can take time. Like many young people, WSPA TV news intern Emily Wilson would rather read email than listen to voice mail. Said Wilson, “Voicemails that last for like 20 minutes and you’re just listening on and on and on.“

A service called Spinvox offered through http://www.UReach.com lets you convert voice messages into emails, sending them to your phone or your computer. You have your calls forwarded through Spinvox. Then it sends you the the translation via email.

One thing to note is that the translations aren’t always exactly precise, especially if the message wasn’t spoken clearly. Sometimes they’re kind of funny. But you can usually figure out jist. I received a call from Duke Energy and it translated the message as “Doog Energy.“ And I received a call from my father who left me a message saying “Heather, this is Dad.“ But it translated as “Elena, this is Dan.“ Luckily, I figured out who it was.

If you, or your kids, send text messages while driving, a company called http://www.Vlingo.com lets you send them without typing. Vlingo President Dave Grannon demonstrates in a video on Youtube.

Said Grannon in the video, “Send message to Erin Keleher. Message: I’m running a little late, can we meet at 5 o’clock?“

And the message was converted into text. Demonstrated Grannon, “Just by pressing send, I get the message off to her without ever tapping.“

It’s all new technology that may save you time and help keep you safe.

There are a variety of companies that offer voice-to-email and voice-to-text services, ranging from free to about $10 a month. Be sure to check out any company at http://www.bbb.com to make sure they’re reputable.