Dictato

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Dictato is a privacy-focused, offline speech-to-text application for macOS, utilizing on-device machine learning engines (Parakeet, Whisper, Apple SpeechAnalyzer) to transcribe audio locally without cloud processing.
2. Core Value Proposition: It eliminates typing bottlenecks and privacy risks by enabling real-time, offline dictation (80ms latency) directly into any macOS text field, targeting users needing confidential, high-speed transcription without subscriptions.

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Main Features

1. 100% On-Device Processing:

   • How it works: Audio is captured via microphone, processed locally using Apple Silicon’s Neural Engine, and discarded post-transcription. No data leaves the device.
   • Technologies: Leverages Core ML and Apple’s ML frameworks for offline ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition). Supports 25-99 languages depending on the engine.

2. Multi-Engine Flexibility:

   • Parakeet: NVIDIA’s optimized model (2.3 GB), supports 25 European languages. Best for speed/accuracy balance on Apple Silicon.
   • Whisper: OpenAI’s model (600 MB), supports 99 languages. Ideal for multilingual users.
   • Apple SpeechAnalyzer: Native macOS engine (no download), requires macOS 14+.

3. Hotkey-Driven Workflow:

   • Press a global hotkey, speak continuously (no 60-second timeout), release to insert text at the cursor position in any app (Gmail, Slack, VS Code). Uses macOS accessibility APIs for universal compatibility.

4. Proofreading & Translation:

   • Optional on-device post-processing for grammar correction and language translation, maintaining end-to-end privacy.

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Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Slow typing speed (40 WPM) vs. speaking speed (150 WPM) causes idea loss and inefficiency. Dictato bridges this gap with real-time transcription.
2. Target Audience:
   • Writers/Content Creators: Draft long-form content faster.
   • Developers: Code/document in VS Code/Xcode via voice.
   • Medical/Legal Professionals: Dictate sensitive notes offline for HIPAA/compliance.
   • RSI Sufferers: Reduce typing strain (4+ hours daily).
3. Use Cases:
   • Dictating confidential client notes offline on flights.
   • Coding in VS Code without switching windows.
   • Multilingual Slack messages with automatic language detection.

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Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation vs. Competitors:
   • vs. Built-in macOS Dictation: No 60-second timeout, 100% offline (vs. Apple’s server-dependent mode), lower latency (80ms vs. 300ms+), and multi-engine support.
   • vs. Cloud Tools (e.g., Otter.ai): Zero data transmission, works offline, no subscriptions.
2. Key Innovation:
   • Apple Silicon Optimization: Harnesses Neural Engine for 80ms latency – 3× faster than typical cloud-based tools.
   • Engine Agnosticism: Users switch between Whisper (multilingual), Parakeet (speed), or Apple (native) for task-specific accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Dictato truly private?
   Yes. All audio is processed on-device via local ML models. No cloud servers, accounts, or internet required. Audio is discarded post-transcription.

2. Does it work in non-Apple apps like Chrome or Slack?
   Yes. Dictato inserts text at the cursor in any macOS app (Gmail, Slack, VS Code, Chrome) via accessibility APIs.

3. Can I use Dictato offline?
   Absolutely. All engines (Whisper, Parakeet, Apple) run 100% offline – ideal for flights or low-connectivity areas.

4. Is Dictato suitable for HIPAA/legal compliance?
   Yes. On-device processing ensures no third-party data access, making it compliant for confidential medical/legal dictation.

5. What’s the cost after the 7-day trial?
   $9.99 one-time payment for a 2-year license, including updates. No subscriptions or recurring fees.