Pixel 4's real-time transcription is tested against the world's fastest-talking woman
The Google Pixel 4 not only has a new interface for Google Assistant, but it also is able to handle questions and tasks for the digital helper on-device. That makes Assistant on the Pixel 4 faster to respond. Also handling things on-device is a very useful and new Google app called Recorder. Not only does it record audio, but it will also transcribe audio in real-time. And it does all this without using an internet connection. Yes, the Recorder app will record audio and take real-time transcription even without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
The results? Recorder held its own against the courtroom stenographer. However, it didn't do too well when Ms. Capo, who is listed in The Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest talking female (11 words per second) recited a rendition of The Three Little Pigs as a warmup. When Capo read from the prepared material, Google's transcription technology was better with a few missed words (but the stenographer also missed a few words, noted the video). Lastly, the real-time transcription feature on the Recorder app went up against four random people from New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica and Germany.
The Journal's Joanna Stern, who conducted the test, said that the transcription feature was "damn impressive." For those with an iOS or Android device other than the Pixel 4, Stern points out that Otter, available in the App Store and Google Play Store, does the same thing although not as well as Google's app.
Imagine how useful this could be for taking notes at school or at work. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL go on sale tomorrow starting at $799.
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